George Russell and Lando Norris are two of the hottest talents heading toward formula 1 currently, but the question roaming fans' mind is that, are these two British boys ready for the challenge that is, Formula 1?
Norris and Russell are currently the pair fighting it out for the FIA Formula 2 championship, with Russell, to some people's surprise, being in the lead of the championship. It seems one of the two Brits will claim the championship at the end of the season, whether it be in their penultimate race in Russia or in Abu Dhabi, one of them will most likely take the title.
They are both pinned to take seats in Formula one next season, Russell at Williams and Norris to either Toro Rosso or McLaren. Russell is only 20, and by the time the season of 2019 roles around he will still only be 21. But Lando Norris, 18, would only be 19 by the time the 2019 season comes.
It seems people, very much want at least one of these two boys to get a seat in formula one. Many are quick to rush them along to take their seats in formula 1. Mainly because we now sit at only one British driver on the grid, and a lot of nations only have one driver from their country. However, it's always been a different tale for the Brits, they've always been at the forefront in Formula one. The UK, lies top with the most championships to a country, the most drivers from a country. So it almost feels standard that there would be a British driver. Obviously, their is a British driver right at the front, in Lewis Hamilton. But he's nearing the end of he career right?
That's why their is a very big push for new British drivers to come through. But Russell and Norris, it seems it may be a bit premature to get them in formula one. Neither, will be like Lewis Hamilton and fighting straight away for a championship, but they can sure try and impress the top teams (Once into Formula One of course).
However, talks of "mid"-season changes surround the paddock at this current time. It almost seems either of the young British prospects could be thrown into formula one at any time. The younger of the two in particular has a lot of speculation surrounding his move to formula one.
It seems both of the drivers are under a lot of pressure. But I would say when entering formula 2, Norris went in with a lot more pressure upon his shoulders. He had a lot of hype around him and George Russell not as much but some, he had pressure to perform by Mercedes, not many thought Russell would be the guy looking like he is going to claim the championship.
The way Norris has entered this championship, he came in at the top, took pole and won. Since he hasn't really made an impact, on winning a race. It almost seems like the pressure of hype has grabbed him and he lost himself at it. He is driving well, their is no doubt but he's buckled under the pressure for the first time. Probably because it is the closest thing to formula one, and he is very much a comparison of Lewis Hamilton. That's why the question of is Norris ready for formula one arises?
He has seemed to struggle under the pressure of the expectation he has surrounding him, he hasn't lived up to it. To the point where Norris called it his "my worst ever". It ponders how he would cope in formula one, and questions whether he needs some more time to mature. Simply, it looks like he does. He is 18, and has probably a lot more to learn.
Look at Lance Stroll, he came into formula 1, way too early. He is learning things in the wrong category, he is learning things he should have learnt in formula 2, in Formula 1.
Then, there is George Russell. He came into formula 2, almost under every bodies radar, and has got on with things and suddenly he is leading and looks on to pip Norris to the F2 championship. Russell being the older of the two British prospects, it seems he would be ready. But, you look at his age, he is still only 20. He also should not be thrown in too early. His tests in formula one, prove well for him. However, does he possibly need to do a Pierre Gasly, take time and wait for a seat? It seems he does, he needs to wait for that seat to come to him, not go to the seat straight away.
Looking at the two Britons, whom seem to be the best British drivers on their way to formula one right now. They are the nearest out of all the British drivers to formula one right now. Are they ready for formula one, at this moment in time? No.
The worst thing for either of them, in the current moment, would be them not seeing out the end of the formula 2 season. They both must finish this season of formula 2, if they don't, it could be costly for their skills in formula one.
2019, should they get seats? Yes, they have fought hard to take each other on in formula 2. If Russell wins and Norris comes second (or the other way round) they have deservedly earned their seats and chance in formula 1. However, that does not mean they are ready for their seats in formula one.
From the outside, is the only way, we can view this. It seems they are young, and have so much time until they need to get into formula one. But the age drivers enter the pinnacle of motorsport only seems to be getting younger and younger.
Realistically, the only person whom knows if they, individually, ready for formula one. Is themselves. However, as fans of this dear sport, you as a fan are allowed to think if they are ready for a seat in formula one.
You look at it, from the outside point of view and the two boys have a lot more to learn. None of us would want these two boys to go into early and end up out of a drive without in couple of years, right? Leave them to get skill and gain experience right now. If it means another year in F2 or one of them. Or a year in another series, let it be. They need time to mature, they need time, a bit more time.
Anything can happen, they are heading to F1, its a circus. But, give them till at least 2021, then they get their chance. They will be experienced enough and ready for formula 1. However, they could totally be ready for F1. Let see what happens.
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