Reigning Drivers’ Champion Max Verstappen and arch-rival Charles Leclerc have come a long way since their karting days. During their karting days, the two shared immense animosity for each other.
However, according to Leclerc, things have changed drastically for the better now. The Ferrari driver believes that the two have gotten a better sense of perspective and can separate what happens on track to their respect for each other outside of it.
Leclerc reveals how his relationship with Verstappen has evolved
While speaking in an interview, as seen in the video below, Charles Leclerc explained how his relationship with Max Verstappen has changed over the years from their karting days. The Ferrari driver began his remarks by stating that none of the two during their younger days knew “if they were going to make it into Formula 1“.
The video then features an iconic clip from their karting days, an “inchident” that kickstarted their rivalry. In the clip, Verstappen explains his moment with Leclerc from his point of view.
The Dutchman explained his annoyance after Leclerc pushed him off the track and did not leave him any space. On the other hand, Leclerc played down the moment by just referring to it as an “inchident“.
“max and myself we didnt know if we were going to make it into formula 1” ❤️🩹
charles on him and max (2022) pic.twitter.com/22wF4RSD58
— nini (@SCUDERIAFEMBOY) June 22, 2023
Looking back at these moments, Leclerc believes that such incidents occurred between him and Verstappen as they were “a lot less mature” and “younger.” The Monegasque then explained how things were much more “personal” at the time.
“We were taking things lot more personally than we do now. Of course, when we are inside the car, we will never leave the space to overtake or whatsoever. We will do absolutely everything to keep him (Verstappen) behind. But we also know that the people that we are inside the track, we are different people outside the track. I think that is great that we both realize that,” explained Leclerc.
Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen shared a respectful rivalry in 2022
Even though Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen fought hard for the title last season, they always shared a respectful rivalry, unlike their karting days. No matter who won the race, the one losing was often seen congratulating the winner.
And a similar level of respect between the two continues until this day. Verstappen himself has often heaped a high amount of praise for Leclerc when the Monegasque has performed well.
The same was quite evident at this year’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix when the Dutchman was not surprised to see Leclerc beat him and Sergio Perez to pole during both the normal and sprint qualifying sessions.
When asked if he was surprised to see Leclerc on the pole, Verstappen replied (as quoted by Sky Sports), “Not really of Charles. We know that he has been really good around here. Otherwise, you do not get three poles in a row right?”
And these are just some of the many moments of respect that Leclerc and Verstappen have shown for each other since arriving at F1. With the bond between the two seemingly becoming so much stronger, F1 fans have given them the name “Lestappen.” F1 fans will now hope that the two have another season where they fight each other hard for the championship.
