'Verstappen is the benchmark of everything; Piastri and Norris don't even come close'

15:54, 05 Aug

Updated: 17:33, 05 Aug

byNicole Mulder

In the aftermath of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Ralf Schumacher points out a significant difference between Max Verstappen and his competitors. According to the former F1 driver, unlike Verstappen, small mistakes keep creeping in for Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, and Lando Norris.

Schumacher sees a big difference between Verstappen and rivals

Schumacher discusses the differences between the Formula 1 drivers on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast of the German branch of Sky Sports. "It's noticeable: for example Piastri with the mistakes he makes. He almost caused another crash with Norris again, it was another close call — for the second time this season. Both Norris and Piastri, but also Leclerc in the past, have continuously made those small mistakes."

In contrast stands Verstappen, who according to Schumacher radiates a different kind of calm and control. "When you look at Max Verstappen: he was the one, even last year, who did not make mistakes. Not even when the car was not perfect. They just can't get anywhere near that yet. Verstappen sets the standard for everything. On good days, the other three are really there, but at other times small mistakes creep in again."

The German emphasises this isn't always down to the drivers themselves, but also to the conditions under which they have to perform. "Well, I want to defend them a little. You can call it mistakes, but you can also say: they're pushing, they want to get that little extra out and establish themselves as the fastest driver. And don't forget: Verstappen hasn't had any real competition. This is not his fault, but his opponents'."

Max Verstappen, Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull Content Pool

‘Piastri and Norris are both fighting for their place’

Particularly at McLaren, he sees the internal struggle between teammates playing a role. "It's different with Norris and Piastri — they constantly have to push to the limit to beat their teammate. They are fighting for their place within the team, and that position is extremely important for the further development of the car. The more pressure there is, the greater the chance of a mistake. You saw this in the beginning with Leclerc. He has now strengthened his position, but it can happen."

Verstappen does have that advantage, according to Schumacher. "With Verstappen, it always looks so flawless. I also remember the time of my brother. If you have a car that works perfectly and a teammate who is a bit behind, then you can approach everything a bit more relaxed. Then you don't have to take that last bit of risk where you lock a wheel, go too hard over a kerbstone, or exceed the track limits. That should be said too."