Albers says F1’s modern driver friendships hard to relate to

Christijan Albers admits he finds it difficult to understand the level of camaraderie that exists among today’s Formula 1 drivers.

Speaking on De Telegraaf’s F1 podcast, the former Minardi and Midland racer contrasted the current grid - where rivals often holiday, train and socialise together - with his own era, when many barely exchanged words and some openly disliked one another.

The conversation was prompted by De Telegraaf’s F1 correspondent Erik van Haren, who recounted: “I had dinner in Budapest on Saturday, and there was a former champion at the table. He said: I think Max (Verstappen) is the only one who’s really good.

"He thought a lot of the drivers in the field were a bit average. He said he missed the personalities in the sport. These days, they’re all friends. You see them laughing together. He’s missing that spark a bit, and things aren’t really happening with Norris and Piastri either. Do you share that opinion?”

While the Lando Norris–Oscar Piastri partnership has had moments of friction on track - including light contact - McLaren regularly highlights their off-track harmony, with both drivers publicly supporting the narrative.

“I find it difficult,” Albers replied. “Maybe it’s the world that’s changed and the generation we’re in. I never knew it like that. There was more competition with each other. Your teammate was your first rival. It’s not like you just went out for a game of cards. You only socialised on special occasions.”

The Dutchman also suggested much of the perceived friendship is for show, saying: “You can’t tell me that Norris or Piastri sit at home and say to their girlfriend: ‘What a nice guy, that Norris.’ Or ‘It’s great that Piastri won’. Do you really think that happens?”