According to Johnny Herbert, the first half of the season has revealed some striking power dynamics within the major top teams in Formula 1. The former driver and ex-FIA steward notes that the internal relationships within Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren differ from expectations. He emphasizes the great pressure a driver experiences when he has to compete against his teammate.
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George Russell started this season as the big favorite for the world title, but he is now third in the championship. He had to watch as his much younger teammate Kimi Antonelli took control of the title fight during the first eleven Grands Prix. The Italian has developed rapidly and now has six wins, compared to two victories by the Brit. The same goes for Charles Leclerc, who has performed much less consistently than teammate Lewis Hamilton. At the same time, Oscar Piastri no longer seems able to match Lando Norris, while the two McLaren drivers fought a thrilling title duel last year.
‘Then the uncertainty sets in’
“What is happening with Oscar Piastri happens in every team,” Herbert said in an interview with a betting platform. “I’m sure George Russell feels it. I’m sure Isack Hadjar probably feels it too, and maybe even Charles Leclerc. They all feel that pressure. As a driver, you feel it because you have the feeling that you have to beat your teammate every time. And if you can’t, the uncertainty sets in. Everything gets magnified. That feeling constantly haunts your mind.”
According to Herbert, that mental pressure is an inevitable part of Formula 1. “You can’t escape it,” he continued. “You hear the rumors, you hear the gossip; all those little details slowly drain you and make your job a bit harder. But that’s part of Formula 1 and sport in general. Sport isn’t always kind to everyone.”
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