The factory shutters have been closed for two weeks, Formula 1 is on summer recess. It’s time for an interim report. Who stood out, who fell short? Sky Sports’ analyst and former F1 driver Anthony Davidson gives his verdict. Today, we focus on the disappointments of the first half of the season.
The Disappointments
Lewis Hamilton
“It pains me to have to mention Lewis Hamilton‘s name here. It’s unbelievable that I would ever have to say this in an analysis. But we heard in Budapest what he has been saying about himself. It’s sad when you hear an athlete with such an impressive track record doubting himself. This is also a major concern for the team. What is happening now is what many people thought would happen. You could perhaps compare it to Valentino Rossi’s switch to Ducati (which turned out to be a flop in 2011). But you can draw an important lesson from it: nothing is taken for granted. No one is a superman, everyone is vulnerable and fragile. Nothing lasts forever. It can be so difficult for a driver to adapt to a new car. For me, Lewis has never been the same since the new regulations were introduced in 2022, although I sometimes see the old Lewis in the races. He has never regained that natural feeling, the total control in the car. But if he stays, keeps his head above water and picks himself up, he might be back in the game with the new cars next year. I hope he pulls through.”
Liam Lawson
“Liam took quite a hit at Red Bull earlier this season when he was replaced after just two races. That second seat has cost many drivers their careers, including Liam Lawson. It’s brave to go where no other driver dares to go. Because you first get devoured and then spat out by Max Verstappen. That’s what happens to everyone, Max can end your career. That didn’t happen with Liam, he’s now in the recovery process. I think his battle with his teammate Isack Hadjar will be evenly matched. When he initially returned to Red Bull’s B-team, he was a shadow of his former self. But it’s good to see his speed and confidence returning.”
Yuki Tsunoda
“Yuki Tsunoda is now in the cycle where Liam was months ago at Red Bull. It will be interesting to see if Mekies can literally put an arm around Yuki to let him be the driver he can be. Because Yuki is definitely not a bad driver. But it’s clear that Red Bull’s car is very difficult to drive. Max can drive around problems, that’s true. Not all problems, but most of them. He extracts performances from the car that others can’t. He always drives at the limit, but not over it. Other drivers can’t do that: they either go over it or stay just under the limit. And the car doesn’t like being driven like that. That’s the skill Max has. It would be interesting to see what would happen if Max were Yuki’s teammate in the Racing Bull. Maybe the difference would then be much smaller: we just don’t know. But in this car that is so sensitive, it seems like Liam and Yuki are second-rate drivers compared to Max. While they are not. But in a fair analysis and comparison, that is the reality they find themselves in.”
