P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alex Albon has spoken in depth about why F1 rookies have been struggling to adapt to the current breed of car.
Alex Albon highlighted the significant challenges that F1 rookies are currently facing in adapting to the current generation of cars. The 2026 grid featured three absolute rookies and three drivers starting their first full seasons, with Franco Colapinto joining Alpine mid-season. Excluding Kimi Antonelli’s strong performances, the rookie class accumulated 31 points, with Isack Hadjar contributing 21 points for Racing Bulls. Liam Lawson earned four points, Ollie Bearman scored six, while Colapinto, Jack Doohan, and Gabriel Bortoleto are yet to score after 10 rounds. Albon emphasized that the previous generation of cars was more ‘rookie-friendly,’ citing higher ride heights, softer cars, and more forgiveness compared to the current setup. He noted the increasing competitiveness in F1 with fewer pay drivers, stronger junior programs, and a sink-or-swim mentality that requires consistent performance from drivers.
