Lando Norris disagreed with Max Verstappen’s assessment of drivers’ influence in current Formula 1. While the four-time champion believes that current cars limit competitors’ ability to make a difference on track, the Briton stated that talent behind the wheel remains decisive, especially on certain circuits.
Read more F1: See which teams most updated their cars for the Hungarian GP
The Red Bull driver argued that the characteristics of the current generation of cars end up neutralizing part of the individual performance of the drivers. According to him, a gain in corners can be lost on the straights due to the way cars demand different driving strategies. “By being faster in some corners, you lose more on the straight afterwards, and, of course, it shouldn’t be like that. In any category, if you gain time in a corner, that should simply be lap time gained,” he stated.
“This basically neutralizes a lot of lap time, and that’s why we see such balanced battles between teams or even teammates. At times, you simply can’t make a difference, because you’ll be penalized on the next straight,” he added.
Read more F1: Audi brings a targeted update to the rear wing for the Hungarian GP
Asked about his rival’s opinion, the 2025 F1 champion made it clear that he does not share the same view. “It is certainly possible to make a difference. Some corners end up being a bit more limited. Pouhon, last year, was one of them, where it might have been possible to take it flat out, while another driver couldn’t, and you gained half a tenth. But, in most corners, if you are a better driver, there is still an opportunity to gain an advantage. So, I wouldn’t say I agree with everything. If you are driving better, you will still be ahead,” he stated.
“On very fast tracks, like Silverstone and Spa, there are fewer corners where it is possible to gain lap time. But on a track like this, I don’t think that’s true. Some corners this weekend will be even more challenging than before, because the entry speed into turn 11 and turn 4 is higher than last season, with less grip. In fact, it’s almost the opposite. It’s an opportunity for a good driver to make even more of a difference,” he concluded.
Read more F1: Bortoleto shows good pace and finishes sixth in TL1 of the Hungarian GP
