At the end of the Formula 1 year 2022, Charles Leclerc in his Ferrari had no chance against the undisputed world champion Max Verstappen. Nevertheless, it was Monegasse who fought a few hot duels with the superstar during the season and finished ahead of Verstappen six times. Now Leclerc has spoken about the special features of the duels with the double world champion.
One thing was particularly noticeable in 2022: Leclerc and Verstappen fought some tough duels on the track in several races, for example at the Grands Prix in Bahrain or Miami. Away from the piste, however, things always remained peaceful and respectful between the two title contenders, who ultimately shared first and second place in the drivers’ standings.
So this year was completely different from the previous season, when Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton fought a merciless fight for the world championship crown. It wasn’t just on the track that they fought hard and sometimes beyond the sporting framework, the two opponents gave each other nothing before and after the race, which ultimately even led to several disputes at management level between Red Bull team boss Christian Horner and Mercedes counterpart Toto Wolff led.
“We know each other very well,” Charles Leclerc said in an interview with “auto motorsport” to the most obvious assumption as to why there was a much less stressful climate this year between the two 25-year-olds, who had already competed in karting.
Leclerc hopes for more action with Verstappen
However, Leclerc put it into perspective: “But I don’t think that’s the reason why it’s calmer between us.”
Rather, it is due to the fact that Leclerc and Verstappen, despite some hot duels on the tracks, were mostly quite clearly apart in the championship. In the first phase of the season, when Verstappen failed twice in Bahrain and Australia, the advantages were still clear for the Ferrari driver.
Then, after five victories in six races up to the Canadian GP in June, Verstappen was clearly ahead of the championship and could have afforded more retirements.
“We were at different points during the season. That was the difference to Max and Lewis a year earlier,” said Leclerc.
The ambitious vice world champion is certain: “If we fight to the end in 2023, there will certainly be tough races.” An assumption that triggers anticipation rather than fear in Leclerc himself: “I like to fight hard on the track. At the limit. That’s how I like to run. Hopefully we’ll see duels like this in the future.”