The close battles between team-mates in Formula 1 2026 have become a hot topic again. Max Verstappen believes the latest generation of cars makes it easier for drivers to stay close, but Andrea Stella of McLaren sees it differently.
At the Dutch GP, Liam Lawson impressed in his one-off outing for Red Bull, replacing the injured Isack Hadjar. He qualified just a tenth behind Verstappen. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda, back in the Racing Bulls seat, was also quick, only a small gap to regular driver Arvid Lindblad. This sparked a debate: are the 2026 cars too easy to drive?
Verstappen, usually critical of regulation changes, sees this as a positive trend. He thinks the current cars are easier to find the limit, especially in qualifying. "In a few places you're also a bit down on battery. Everything becomes a bit easier to line up," he said. He pointed to Lawson's solid job and Tsunoda's immediate pace as proof.
However, Stella disagrees. The McLaren boss insists the 2026 cars are actually harder to drive due to added complexity from the new power unit rules. "Both our drivers classify these cars as difficult to drive," Stella said. He explained that the cars' unpredictable behaviour in corners and straights makes it hard for drivers to stay consistent, so gaps between team-mates can grow.
This difference of opinion is interesting because it affects how teams evaluate driver performance. If the cars are easier, a driver's value could be diluted. But if they remain difficult, then Lawson and Tsunoda deserve more credit. Either way, the 2026 season continues to deliver surprises and lively paddock debates.
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