For the first time in several years in Formula 1, Max Verstappen is behind a teammate in a direct qualifying duel. The Dutchman was outperformed by Isack Hadjar in Japan and now appears at a disadvantage in the average gap between the two drivers.
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The situation draws attention because Verstappen had not lost to a teammate in this type of comparison since 2018. Even with the head-to-head still tied, Hadjar’s stronger performance in Japan put the Frenchman ahead in the overall average.
In the duel between the two Red Bull Racing drivers, the qualifying score remains 1-1. Although some consider the Australian session as a victory for Hadjar, the comparison does not take into account technical problems as a defeat, which maintains the balance in the head-to-head.
However, when analyzing only comparable sessions, Hadjar opened up the largest advantage. In Japan, the Frenchman was 0s158 faster than Verstappen. In China, the Dutchman had been 0s119 faster, which puts Hadjar with an average advantage of 0s020 in the internal comparison.
Other internal disputes also showed important changes on the grid. Kimi Antonelli now leads the internal battle against George Russell, after facing difficulties at the start. Oscar Piastri also started strong in qualifying compared to the current F1 champion, Lando Norris, although still without converting this into points.
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At Ferrari, Charles Leclerc once again showed strength in fast laps over Lewis Hamilton, while at Williams Carlos Sainz has taken control of the internal battle with Alexander Albon. Meanwhile, rookie Arvid Lindblad outperformed Liam Lawson in Japan for the first time at Racing Bulls, with a significant advantage of nearly four-tenths.
Among other disputes, Fernando Alonso maintains dominance over Lance Stroll at Aston Martin, a streak that has lasted almost two years. At Haas, Esteban Ocon once again won a duel against Oliver Bearman, although the Briton still holds the advantage on average.
Other confrontations also show clear trends. Gabriel Bortoleto was once again faster than Nico Hulkenberg, while at Alpine Pierre Gasly continues to outperform Franco Colapinto with a growing gap. At Cadillac, Sergio Perez has a small advantage over Valtteri Bottas.
With these numbers, the start of the season shows more balanced internal disputes than in recent years. The main highlight, however, is Verstappen, who for the first time in a long time sees a teammate take a direct advantage in qualifying sessions.
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