By: Modern Formula 1 offers plenty of food for thought when it comes to the calibre of drivers currently competing in the category. Andrea Kimi Antonelli is the benchmark, while Lando Norris could be the second driver to understand how to be competitive with these cars. One thing is certain, however: the car makes the difference and, as long as Mercedes remain this strong, it will be difficult for the other drivers to stand out.
Beyond Mercedes and McLaren, only Ferrari have been able to win races. The only problem is that, even when they have won, they have not delivered performances as convincing as those of their rivals. Then there is Red Bull, who, despite having a driver like Max Verstappen at the wheel, have still not managed to win a race.
F1’s prodigies and failures
This is the F1 of prodigies: Antonelli above all, and Norris, who is beginning to win support. But it is also the F1 of failures. In this case, Leclerc above all. As stated, Ferrari and Red Bull certainly do not have a car capable of challenging Mercedes. The Scuderia were very consistent at the start of the season and managed to exploit two incidents that went in their favour to win races. Hamilton and Leclerc are grateful, but without these circumstances it would have been difficult for them to stand out.
Until the last race, however, Lewis was second overall behind Antonelli and was seen by the public as the man capable of reviving the team, while Leclerc, by contrast, was repeatedly called into question because of one too many mistakes.
It is all the result of an inattentive and distorted narrative. Unfortunately, Leclerc and Verstappen represent F1’s other side. Verstappen has also made frequent mistakes this year, yet nobody has ever dared say a word against him. Perhaps because he is a four-time world champion? Perhaps because his car is considered far inferior to the Mercedes? They are all hypotheses. The fact is that Max has made several mistakes, but nobody has said anything, while Leclerc, despite also winning a race at Silverstone, is often criticised and put in the dock.
Verstappen and Leclerc have more in common than you might think
What Verstappen and Leclerc have in common is that, in 2026, no matter how hard they push, they will never be able to fight for the title. Therefore, the fact that they make mistakes is simply experience. They are seeking the limits, and it is better to spend this season trying to find them than to arrive in 2027 with unresolved doubts.
Verstappen and Leclerc have more in common than you might think, especially this season. Whether to criticise them or not is a choice that belongs to us alone. But simply look at the standings. If the occasions on which they made mistakes had ended in points, would they now… perhaps be fighting for the title? Unfortunately not.
Cover photo by Luca Martini / WHYOUT Images
