The age-old debate of ‘who’s better in equal machinery?’ always finds its way to the F1 discussion circles. This debate always targets a generational talent against two young, talented drivers. The Lewis Hamilton-Nico Rosberg rivalry was the epitome of this debate. Since then, we have hardly seen two drivers of equal caliber go head-to-head in equal machinery. This is exactly why a former driver pitted Max Verstappen, the current dominant force, against two young talents.

British former driver Johnny Herbert revealed to Evening Standard, as quoted by Motorsport Week, who he feels can take the fight to Verstappen. For the Brit, it’s his fellow countrymen and former F2 rivals George Russell and Lando Norris.

The two Brits went up against each other in F2 and made their F1 debuts in the following season. However, both Russell and Norris are struggling with their current teams and fighting in different parts of the field. However, Herbert believes if the shortcomings of the teams are kept aside and the two are given equal machinery, it won’t be smooth sailing for Verstappen.

“George has been able to challenge him [Lewis Hamilton] and put him under a lot of pressure,” said Herbert. “George is going to be tough for Max Verstappen when he gets the right car. I think Lando Norris is the same given the right car.”

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The fans, surprisingly, agree with this hypothetical. Fans even foresee both Norris and Russell taking the fight to Verstappen in the future.

Fans bring down Max Verstappen from the pedestal as they put their belief in Russell and Norris

Heading into 2023, Verstappen, on paper, was the clear favorite. After the opening three races, the Dutchman has solidified the odds in his favor. However, this scenario did not let Russell back down from his desire to take the fight to Verstappen.

This is the kind of attitude that makes the fans believe he can challenge for the championship in the near future. Additionally, Russell’s performances in the W13 also make the fans believe he can beat the Dutchman in equal machinery.

The fans, however, weren’t convinced about Norris’s chances against the Dutchman, even in equal machinery.

Not all, there were some Norris fans as well.

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We are not sure if we will ever come across a scenario where the three will be competing against each other in equal machinery. However, judging by the reaction of the fans, the future of F1 is bright and competitive.