Max Verstappen has been the best driver on the grid for the past 3 years. He has won 3 Championships and could win another one this year as well. However, his racing style is a bit controversial, especially after last week’s Austin GP. One of Max Verstappen’s rivals over the years is Charles Leclerc.
The Ferrari driver has had his fair share of battles with the Dutch driver over the years. Even before their Formula 1 days, Leclerc and Verstappen grew up Karting against each other. So it’s safe to say that Leclerc has some insight as to what kind of driver Max Verstappen is.
Charles Leclerc says Max Verstappen is always on the edge
Last week in Austin, Max Verstappen defended 3rd place against Lando Norris. There was one controversial move where both Norris and Verstappen went off the track. But since Norris had come out ahead, he was given a penalty. Many felt that Max had pushed the McLaren out of the track.
On Thursday’s Press Conference ahead of the Mexican GP, Charles Leclerc gave his thoughts on Max Verstappen’s defensive manoeuvres at Austin.
“Max is always on the edge of the regulations but that’s what makes fighting him so exciting, he will never leave you any room,” says Leclerc.
“Sometimes it goes a little bit over, but it is those fights that make Formula 1 exciting.”
The battle of the Circuit of the Americas. The latest chapter in this thrilling championship story 📖#F1 #USGP pic.twitter.com/EK0VtkUEFk
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 21, 2024
Max Verstappen has been driving in F1 since the age of 17. Over the years, he has gained a lot of experience and is now considered to be one of the best drivers in F1 history. But you don’t get to this stage without exploiting the rules and regulations.
Every good F1 driver knows what to do and what not to do. Knowing this, Max Verstappen knew exactly how much to push Norris at Austin. As it turned out, the British driver was the one who got the penalty and lost the podium position to Max.
Leclerc says Constructors’ Championship is possible for Ferrari
Ever since the teams came back from the summer break, both the Ferrari drivers have been charging through the field. Back in Monza, Leclerc took a race win with Sainz coming in P4. In the last race in Austin, Ferrari achieved a 1-2 finish with Leclerc on top. These results have brought Ferrari closer to McLaren and Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship.
Back in Baku, Red Bull lost the lead in the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren. And now, the Austrian team could lose another position to Ferrari if their form continues.
Coming to Mexico, Ferrari is just 8 points behind Red Bull. So if Leclerc and Sainz are able to deliver another 1-2 finish this weekend, they will surpass Red Bull in the Championship fight. However, if they hope to win the title, they need to beat McLaren.
🏆| Ferrari dominated at Austin, which means they sit just 8 points off Red Bull in the Constructors Championship!
Will Ferrari be the main contender to McLaren?#F1 #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/VsVzs5oNTy
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 22, 2024
After the United States GP, McLaren is 40 points ahead of Red Bull and 48 points ahead of Ferrari. Although this number may seem big, Ferrari could close this gap soon if they continue their current form. McLaren is just one bad weekend away from losing the advantage in the Constructors’ Championship, and there are still 5 race weekends left this season.
This season has been the most unpredictable season in the past 5 years. Who do you think will come out on top in the Constructors’ battle this year? Post your thoughts in the comments section below.
