Leclerc will match Verstappen’s aggressiveness when needed
Charles Leclerc says he can measure up to Max Verstappen’s uncompromising racing tactics if the situation calls for it, as the Ferrari driver reflected on the dynamic between himself and his long-time rival.
Verstappen, known for his ruthless on-track approach, drew widespread criticism last year, particularly during the Mexican Grand Prix, where his aggressive maneuvers against title rival lando Norris earned him an aggregate 20 seconds in time penalties.
Despite the backlash, the Red Bull driver’s relentless style has contributed significantly to his staggering career record of 63 race wins and four world championships.
But Leclerc insists that he, too, has the capacity to race on the edge when the moment demands it.
“You’ve got to pick your battles, and I feel like Max knows how to adapt to different situations, and we’ve seen it [in 2024],” Leclerc said in an interview with RacingNews365.
“There were moments where he was not aggressive, but when the end of the season arrived, and Lando was coming back there, you could see him play with the rules a lot more, and I feel like I’ve got that in me.”
A Storied Rivalry
Leclerc and Verstappen’s rivalry stretches back to their early karting careers, where fiery clashes between the two set the tone for what would later unfold in Formula 1.
Their most iconic F1 battle remains the 2019 Austrian Grand Prix, where Verstappen muscled past Leclerc late in the race to snatch victory.
Reflecting on the nature of their battles, Leclerc explained that he thrives on racing against Verstappen because of their shared mentality and mutual understanding on the track.
“I know that whenever big things will be at stake, when it will be the moment to take those risks with the right people, I’ll go for it,” he said.
“But that’s also why I’ve always enjoyed racing with Max. The mentality of the driver is a big part.
“We’ve known each other for a long time, and so it is always more exciting when we’re fighting together.”
Unfortunately for Leclerc, such battles were rare in 2024 due to the dominance of Verstappen’s Red Bull car in the early stages of the season and Ferrari’s inability to match their rivals’ pace until much later in the season.
“At the beginning of the season, he had quite a dominant car and we were not in the fight with him,” Leclerc said.
“He had no reason to be aggressive with us in some kinds of ways, and then we were playing catch-up.
“By the time we were competitive, there was Lando in-between, so he never really saw us as a direct competitor, so [in 2024], there weren’t these fights.”
Verstappen’s Supremacy in F1
Verstappen’s dominance over the past several seasons has been nothing short of remarkable.
He claimed 19 wins from 22 races in the 2023 campaign and added another nine victories in 2024, securing his fourth consecutive drivers’ title.
Leclerc isn’t the least bit by the Dutchman’s outstanding success in F1.
“It doesn’t come as a surprise,” Leclerc said. “I think obviously knowing him since we were young, I’ve always seen how talented he was since the very first day with Max.
“I’ve seen [Max] when he was very young like me and the way we grew up together.”
Leclerc praised Verstappen’s consistency and natural ability, which he believes are the foundation of his rival’s incredible achievements.
“He’s just extremely solid, and keeps his biggest strength, which is his talent,” the Monegasque added
“He is reliable, consistent, and extremely fast. He is an incredible driver and deserves all the success he’s had.”
Looking Ahead
While Verstappen’s incredible strengths remain a significant hurdle for his competitors, Leclerc’s determination to match the reigning champion’s aggression signals his intent to close the gap in the coming seasons.
With Ferrari’s late-season resurgence in 2024 offering glimpses of competitiveness, Leclerc may have the opportunity in 2025 to reignite his rivalry with Verstappen at the very top of Formula 1.
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook
The post Leclerc will match Verstappen’s aggressiveness when needed appeared first on F1i.com.