Max Verstappen believes that the small gaps observed between teammates since the start of the 2026 season are partly explained by the characteristics of the new generation of single-seaters.
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According to the four-time world champion, these cars allow drivers to reach their limits more easily, especially in qualifying.
The Zandvoort weekend offered several examples. Called in temporarily at Red Bull to replace Isack Hadjar, injured, Liam Lawson qualified eighth, just a tenth behind Verstappen.
At the same time, Yuki Tsunoda returned to competition behind the wheel of the Racing Bulls usually entrusted to the New Zealander and also immediately closed in on Arvid Lindblad’s performance.
Lawson was solid
Asked about the possibility that drivers now have less margin to make an individual difference, Verstappen answered affirmatively: “Especially in qualifying, I think. Today, with these cars, it is much easier to find the limit, because in several places, we are also a bit short on battery. Everything becomes a bit easier to line up. ”
The Dutchman believes that the events at Zandvoort particularly illustrate this evolution compared to previous generations of Formula 1: “I think this was quite well demonstrated this weekend compared to the cars of previous years. For me, it’s not a surprise.”
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However, Verstappen does not want to downplay Lawson’s performance, who was discovering the single-seater under particular circumstances. He believes his temporary teammate did a very solid job. Lawson himself noted that the 2026 Red Bull seemed significantly less unstable and delicate to drive than its predecessor.
Too small differences
For Verstappen, the small gaps observed in the Netherlands are in any case not an isolated phenomenon. They correspond to a visible trend across the grid since the introduction of the new regulations.
“I think this has been visible since the start of the season,” he notes. “Everyone is always within one or two tenths. If you have a very bad qualifying, it’s three tenths. The gaps are always extremely small. We also see it with Yuki, he is immediately in the mix.”
However, this analysis is not entirely shared in the paddock. Andrea Stella, team principal of McLaren, is notably more reserved about the idea that the new single-seaters reduce drivers’ ability to make a difference
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