Oatley's skepticism arises from the belief that racing drivers possess distinct individual traits and skill sets. During a conversation with host Tom Clarkson on F1 Beyond the Grid, Oatley was asked about the possibility of drivers like Lando Norris, Carlos Reutemann, or Alan Jones being equally fast in different eras or with enough practice. Oatley honestly expressed his uncertainty, stating that these drivers are unique characters with differing skill sets, and therefore, their abilities may not naturally translate across such a broad time span.
Despite Norris demonstrating his exceptional skills in Formula 1, Oatley raises doubts about his ability to maintain the same level of speed and success in other racing disciplines or different eras of the sport. This skepticism challenges the commonly held belief that a fast racing driver can excel universally across all areas of racing. Additionally, Norris has encountered setbacks on the track, adding further complexity to the assessment of his capabilities.
