The new generation of Formula 2 cars have proven to be quite the challenge when combined with some tricky Pirelli rubber.
The proof is in the pudding, with the likes of Franco Colapinto and Oliver Bearman stepping up to the plate in Formula 1 with relative ease.
They’re not standout stars by any means, with neither inside the top six of the Formula 2 standings, but that goes to show how tricky the machinery has become.
In years gone by, rookies had a lot to learn when they reached Formula 1 before they could put in the sorts of performances that both Bearman and Colapinto have put in this year.
Guenther Steiner Formula 1 is ‘much easier’ for rookies
Guenther Steiner knows a thing or two about managing rookies in a Formula 1 after having both Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher in his car back in 2021.
It can be costly in damage and also produce poor results as drivers get used to the jump to the big leagues, something which appears to be less of a factor in recent times.
Speaking on the Pitstop Podcast, Steiner said that he believes Formula 1 cars are ‘much easier’ to handle now that Formula 2 cars have been made trickier to drive.
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“What I was surprised, is these young guys like Oliver [Bearman] and Colapinto coming in. How good prepared they are,” he said.
“There must have been a shift a little bit in F2. I think F2 got better as a feeder series. Maybe the cars are closer to an F1 car. I think the tyres are closer to an F1 tyre because now they are very similar.
“When they come in, that is something you need to learn, and if you know that and it’s in you, it’s much easier to handle it.”
Antonelli’s Monza crash leaves a mark
While some drivers make the task of driving a Formula 1 car look easy, there are others who overestimate the limits.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s mega Parabolica shunt at the Italian Grand Prix proved that it isn’t always a case of plug-and-go.
Going beyond the edge can still have big consequences, as the Italian found out with his lack of experience.
READ MORE: Joshua Duerksen reveals why he was ‘hurting’ after securing maiden Formula 2 victory
It’s why some teams prefer to have an experienced driver in the car who knows how to stay within those limits and prevent crash damage.
But, the younger talents are often less risk averse and thus less afraid to give their all and find that extra bit of speed – it’s about finding that balance.