Max Verstappen, Red Bull driver, has expressed that the small differences between teammates this 2026 are explained by the ease with which the current vehicles can be driven to the limit. This statement comes in the context of the standout performances of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda during the Dutch Grand Prix.
Lawson managed to qualify in eighth position, just one-tenth behind Verstappen, in a unique opportunity to replace the spirit of Isack Hadjar. At the same time, Tsunoda showcased his talent with the Racing Bulls car, demonstrating performance similar to that of the regular driver, Arvid Lindblad.
Verstappen commented that, especially in qualifying, the current situation allows drivers to more easily find the limits of the cars, contributing to less variation in lap times. “It’s easier to align everything with these new machines,” he said, highlighting that the trend of small differences in times has been evident throughout the season.
However, his opinion is not universal. Andrea Stella, McLaren’s director, argued against this view, stating that the current cars remain complicated to handle. Stella explained that, with the new power regulations introduced in 2026, additional complications have been added to the driving experience.
According to Stella, his drivers have rated the cars as difficult to drive due to various factors such as low grip and reduced aerodynamic load. He pointed out that, although teams have increased downforce, their inherently difficult nature persists, with significant challenges in braking and accelerating.
With these opinions in play, the stage for the rest of the Formula 1 season is set for an interesting debate on the characteristics and challenges of the 2026 cars.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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