Surprising verdicts
The first half of the season has delivered verdicts that are surprising in some ways regarding the direct confrontations between the drivers of the top teams. Isack Hadjar has certainly not challenged Max Verstappen’s leadership within Red Bull, but the Frenchman has defended himself excellently, not looking out of place against the four-time world champion.
Read more Ferrari, Serra with head down: “Satisfied? You never are completely! The SF-26 is not ‘my’ car”
George Russell was the big favorite to win the world title, but he finds himself even third in the standings, far behind Andrea Kimi Antonelli who is outclassing a driver who secured a contract renewal at a very high price after excellent years alongside Lewis Hamilton. And speaking of Hamilton, few would have predicted that the seven-time world champion would be able to finish the ‘first half of the season’ ahead of his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc.
At McLaren Oscar Piastri started well at the beloved Suzuka, but in recent races he has not been able to keep up with Lando Norris, the winner in Hungary. According to Johnny Herbert, all the drivers from the top teams who are ‘chasing’ will have to manage some extra pressure from Zandvoort onwards.
Read more Lamborghini Revuelto, tribute to 60 years of Miura
The former driver’s thesis
“What is happening to Oscar Piastri happens in every team – said Herbert reached by Casinostugan – I am sure George Russell perceives it. I am sure that probably Isack Hadjar also perceives it in some way and maybe even Charles Leclerc. We all feel those pressures. As a driver, you perceive it, because you feel you should go out on track and beat Lando every single time you go. And when you fail to do so, that’s when insecurity sets in. Everything is amplified. It’s not front and center in your mind, but it lurks somewhere deep in your brain.”
“There is no way to escape it – added Herbert – you hear the voices, you hear the gossip, and then, after what happened in Hungary, you hear the positive news about Lando. All these little details slowly wear you down and make your job a bit harder. But it’s part of Formula 1 and sport in general. Sport is not always kind to everyone.”
Read more Vasseur: “I don’t think about the world championship when I wake up. I don’t even know the gap”
