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Max Verstappen cites easier cars for smaller team-mate gaps at Zandvoort

Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 6:56 PM

Last updated Aug 22, 2026

Max Verstappen cites easier cars for smaller team-mate gaps at Zandvoort

Summary

Max Verstappen attributed the closer qualifying times among team-mates in 2026 to the ease of driving the current generation of cars at Zandvoort. During the race weekend, Liam Lawson qualified eighth, one tenth behind Verstappen while filling in for the injured Isack Hadjar. McLaren's Andrea Stella disagreed with Verstappen's assessment, offering an alternative perspective on the performance dynamics. The discussion highlights ongoing debates in Formula 1 about car performance and driver skill in the current season.

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Status Watch

•Max Verstappen believes current cars are easier to drive on the limit.
•Liam Lawson qualified eighth, one tenth behind Verstappen.
•Andrea Stella of McLaren disagrees with Verstappen's view on performance gaps.
•The discussion took place during the Zandvoort race weekend.
•Isack Hadjar is currently sidelined due to injury.

Latest Updates

6:56 PMMotorsport.com — Max Verstappen: Smaller team-mate gaps are down to "easier" cars as Andrea Stella disagrees

What they're saying

"
Red Bull's Max Verstappen thinks the narrow gaps between team-mates in 2026 are being helped by this generation of cars being easier to drive on the limit, with McLaren team boss Andrea Stella offering a different view. At Zandvoort Liam Lawson qualified eighth, one tenth behind Verstappen, on a one-off outing for Red Bull to deputise for the injured Isack Hadjar. Meanwhile, reserve driver Yuki ...Keep reading
— Motorsport.com

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