What are the early takeaways from wild 2026 Supercars season?

Seven races, five championship lead changes, four different championship leaders.

It really has been a whirlwind start to the 2026 Repco Supercars Championship.

Brodie Kostecki might be leading the championship at this early stage, however many answers to burning pre-season questions are starting to form, if they haven't been answered already.

But, with 30 races still to come, and 23 races before the full Finals field is set, there is still plenty of time for more contenders to emerge, and stake their claim for this year's championship.

So, what are the key takeaways from the opening two rounds of the 2026 season? Supercars.com dissects six of the big talking points that have emerged.

Who really is class of the field?

Several can put their hands up as the class of the field, however it's hard to make a definitive argument so early in the season. Brodie Kostecki, Cam Waters, Broc Feeney, and Cam Waters are all separated by just 73 points after seven races, pulling slightly clear of the chasing pack. Kostecki was sublime in Melbourne, Feeney the standout in Sydney, whilst Payne and Waters have been consistent, if unspectacular. Meanwhile Anton De Pasquale and Jack Le Brocq have been the lead Chevrolets, whilst Ryan Wood has had a fine start to life with Toyota.

No one is safe

There have been a spate of incidents that have dropped several drivers further back in the pack than would be expected. For no one is this more obvious than Will Brown, who finds himself 13th in points. There has been a fierce intensity to the racing this year, and we've seen plenty of penalties get dished out over the seven races so far. Chaz Mostert's year got off to a shaky start with a Race 2 disqualification, whilst De Pasquale, Payne, and Feeney have all lost the points lead through incidents in the first two rounds.

Do we finally have a form guide?

Sydney Motorsport Park and Albert Park are both high speed circuits, and although the grip on offer is different, we saw the frontrunners remained largely the same. From the high speed bullring in Melbourne, the tour now heads to the technical, twisting Taupō, which will provide some vastly different challenges. Surprise results like Andre Heimgartner's emotional 2024 win are possible, whilst Brodie Kostecki was strong there last year, and is riding a wave of confidence as championship leader. Christchurch immediately follows, a complete unknown...

The silent assassin

Jack Le Brocq's return to Matt Stone Racing has flown under the radar ever since the move was announced in October. However, as a race-winning combination, it always had the potential to come out firing, and it has. Five top 10s in seven races have seen the popular veteran climb to sixth in the standings, only one position behind Team Chevy's leader in De Pasquale. MSR have form in Taupō, with Cameron Hill snagging a runner-up finish in last year's finale. If the second half blues can be stomped out, Le Brocq could be a shock Finals contender.

Motorsport is cruel

Every year there are stories of heartbreak in Supercars, but already the plight of Blanchard Racing Team sophomore Aaron Cameron has been tough to watch. The 25-year-old has the second-best qualifying average in the field, but has only been able to convert that into a 22nd-best average finish. Whilst Cameron is 19th in points, new teammate James Golding is currently ninth, though has also seen big points days slip. Then there's the likes of Zach Bates and Cooper Murray, who couldn't escape any of the chaos around them in Melbourne.

Toyota is building

Being competitive in Supercars is no simple task, even the very best teams and drivers have their off weekends. So for Toyota to come in and claim a podium just five races into their first season is a remarkable feat, especially given how much development of the GR Supra is to come. In other words, they're only getting started. Reigning champion Chaz Mostert was much happier with his car after a strong showing in Melbourne. With New Zealand's technical challenges up next placing less of an emphasis on straight line speed, the next two rounds could be a huge opportunity for more silverware.

The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of Supercars, teams or drivers.