Oct.31 (GMM) Former Method 1 driver Christijan Albers has questioned whether or not McLaren’s title-contending pair Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris actually belong among the many sport’s elite, suggesting each are nonetheless in need of the “absolute prime” stage.
Chatting with De Telegraaf, the Dutch pundit stated he ranks Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Charles Leclerc because the standout drivers in F1 proper now – leaving McLaren’s duo exterior that bracket.
“In my view, three drivers stand out proper now: Verstappen, Russell, and Leclerc,” Albers stated. “That’s to not say Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are unhealthy drivers. However they’re not absolutely the prime.”
Albers additionally stated Piastri’s popularity for composure is exaggerated.
“Individuals say he’s so cool, however that primarily refers to his manner,” he commented. “He had two crashes in Baku, plus a false begin, and in Singapore he didn’t present something particular both.”
He additionally criticised Norris for inconsistency underneath strain. “A transparent sample emerges over many weekends,” Albers defined.
“He usually begins nicely, however then usually loses floor. That is particularly evident in qualifying – when Verstappen units a superb lap in Q3, Norris will get nervous and makes errors.”
The previous Minardi and Spyker driver additionally turned his criticism towards McLaren itself. “Operationally, fairly just a few issues are going improper there,” he stated.
“And for my part, the drivers aren’t getting the utmost out of it both.”
