'Extreme' factors highlighted behind struggles of F1 rookies

Alex Albon has spoken of the "extreme" challenges F1 rookies are facing to get up to speed with the current generation of car.

On the 2026 grid, there were three absolute rookies, along with a further three drivers starting their first full seasons, with a seventh driver in Franco Colapinto replacing fellow rookie Jack Doohan at Alpine after just five races.

If Kimi Antonelli's strong start with Mercedes, including a fastest lap, Sprint pole, and podium, is removed, the rookie class has scored 31 points, 21 of which have come via Racing Bulls Isack Hadjar.

Liam Lawson has scored four points, with Ollie Bearman on six, but Colapinto, Doohan, and Gabriel Bortoleto are yet to score 10 rounds into the season. 

Albon debuted in 2019 during the previous generation of cars, which he felt was more 'rookie-friendly' as the Williams driver detailed at length about why the current cars do not suit rookie drivers.

"It is tricky for a few reasons, and I think they are a bit harder to drive than the previous generation," Albon told media, including RacingNews365.

"In the previous generation, we had a lot more downforce, but the ride heights were much higher, the cars were much softer, and there was a bit of forgiveness with them; they were a bit more rookie-friendly.

"Nowadays, they are more extreme in their set-ups and the tyres are more sensitive, so you had an easier time of it, the Toro Rosso (in 2019) was a very, very nice car to drive, it was confidence-inspiring. 

"I don't want to say the level of the drivers is the best it's ever been, but there are very few pay drivers now, and it's got to the point where you just have to perform all the time. 

"There are really strong junior programmes, and a lot a good drivers coming through F2 and F3, so the pressure is always on. 

"There is no bedding in time, and there has always been a sink or swim mentality since we were 12 years old, so the best ones get through, and that is just the nature of the beast."