VideoMax Verstappen and Charles Leclerc had enjoyed their blood-curdling fight in Jeddah. Last week the Ferrari driver won, today the 25 points went to the reigning world champion. “We are taking risks and playing hard, but there is clearly respect from both sides.”
The two Red Bull and Ferrari drivers are both 24 years old and look set to leave Formula 1 in 2022 after seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton once again played a role in the middle bracket in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix today. ,,It was a very tough, but above all a very nice race. We played the long game. The tires wore out quickly, we knew that on this track. It certainly wasn’t easy to pass Charles, but luckily I passed him in the end. But he stayed behind me shortly after that and it was still heavy. I’m glad we were able to kick-start the season like this. Compared to last year, passing has become a lot more difficult, but I’m happy that I was able to strike in time and keep Charles behind me afterwards.”
Leclerc congratulated Verstappen over the on-board radio immediately after the finish with a heartfelt compliment. ,,It wasn’t enough to win, but I really enjoyed it today. It was hard racing, but fair and fun. We were fast in the corners, but a little slower on the straights. We are running a street race with all the risks that come with it, so there is clearly respect from both sides.”
The standings after two of the 23 races in 2022:
1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 45 points
2. Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari) – 33 points
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 25 points
4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 22 points
5. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – 16 points
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