Former World Champion says current drivers are "scared to have a go" at overtaking

F1 News

14 May 2021 at 08:02
Last update 14 May 2021 at 08:47
  • GPblog.com

Max Verstappen passed Lewis Hamilton going into the first turn at Barcelona and had to get his elbows out to keep his place. Still, Alan Jones has mixed feelings about this duel. He feels the drivers are holding back a lot.

Verstappen narrowly missed out on pole for the Spanish Grand Prix, but he did get to start from the front row of the grid. The Dutchman had a strong start on Sunday and ventured on the inside of Hamilton. The two went wheel to wheel but eventually Verstappen got in front, but Hamilton would fight back to win the race.

F1 drivers hold back

''They were both more concerned about not hitting each other. As a result, they brake so early. They are all scared to have a go at the gap incase some stewards who thinks the gap is not wide enough," said the 1980 World Champion in a video by Peter Windsor. Jones thinks drivers should feel much freer.

''If there is a gap, then drivers should be able to go for it. We're at a point now where the drivers are holding back too much because something might happen, which a steward would deem as driving dangerously," the Australian concluded.