Leclerc explains the key differences between Hamilton and Verstappen
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are often compared. In 2021, the two battled each other for the world title. In discussions over who is the best driver of all time, the Dutchman is now a major rival for the seven-time world champion. Charles Leclerc discusses the differences and similarities between the two.
Currently, Hamilton is the most successful driver of all time. He has the most wins, the most pole positions and in addition, he is equal to Michael Schumacher in terms of most world titles. Verstappen, on the other hand, is currently on the rise. The Dutchman scored 50 victories from 2021 until now, putting him on a total of 60 wins. He is also currently the leader in the championship, so there is a chance he could also add a fourth world title to his trophy cabinet this season.
Differences and similarities Verstappen and Hamilton
When Leclerc was asked by Italian La Stampa how he would describe Hamilton and Verstappen, the Monegasque explained, "They are both very fast, of course. As for Lewis, I would say he is also very calculating. By that I mean on the track. In the way he moves, how he puts the car down when he is attacking or defending. You just understand how much experience he has and his thoughts behind it."
Verstappen is known as a different driver. Therefore, Leclerc also argues that the Dutchman has a different trait from Hamilton: "He is a bit more aggressive. He's more the type who thinks 'If there's a gap, I'll just go for it'."
This article was written in collaboration with Sophia Crothall.
What we are seeing between 2014 and 2020, vs what we are seeing between 2021 and 2024 is a 'Good driver in an exceptional car' compared to 'An exceptional driver in a very good car'.
Lol..... The RB19 "a very good car"..... That's a good one...... You'll do anything and everything to big up your hero.....
Morning Mech E, leaving aside both LH and MV as drivers, can you define the difference between 2014 -2020 Mercedes as an exceptional car and 2021-2024 as a very good car without using the 'look at what Perez as managed to achieve in the same RB' comparison, I've got to be honest and admit that I can't !!
for me, it is pretty easy. when Max joined the RB team, he was winning the odd race when the car was not anywhere near the best. he had some sessions that were brilliant to watch, 2016 Brazil is a great example. up to 2020 when the Mercedes was so dominant, Max was still up there, and winning the odd race. when the Mercedes was so dominant, Lewis had a lot of less than stellar races, lots of head scratchers for what happened? and now that the RB is clearly dominant (or at least '22 and '23 dominance) Max was peerless. his level of dominance was extra ordinary. and where was Lewis? not winning the odd race, and not really impressing anything, struggling to beat his own teammate in a car that wasn't top dog. Max and Lewis are both exceptional drivers, and maybe there's nothing really in it between them, but I think Max has just that little bit more that elevates him above Lewis.
I see where you're coming from Samagon, although my question to Mech E did actually ask for the difference between the cars NOT the drivers, but to make a point about your comparison, even before 2021 the RB was a race winning car although Max took it to another level granted, the MB since 2021 has been an absolute dog so to be fair to compare the cars from those periods would be unfair, although some of the Max fans who post here would like to think that Max could have won races if not even Championships if he had been in the MB it would suggest that THOSE Max fans have probably been smoking a very strange concoction, Max is an exceptional talent but he ain't that good.
Thats interesting, Lec has spent a lot of time racing Max in his younger days and now, also with Lewis in F1 so he has some insight. I agree that Lewis is less aggressive but more calculated. Although you say the Lewis in his younger days was equally as aggressive , but time will tell if Max becomes the calculated driver like Lewis.
I think that is very possible! Max already is a whole lot more calculated now he has a good car, compared to his earlier Red Bull days!
I concur, this season may actually be where see more of this side from Max JD
With the grid closing up at the front...charecter will be tested again and again. By season end...we will know the answer ....
I don't agree with Leclerc at all. there's numerous times I've seen Lewis go for gaps that do not exist. usually twice a season, or more it happens. unless he's so far out in front that he doesn't have to worry about scrapping to get ahead. he punted Albon twice. he punted his own teammate last year. he punted Alonso 2 years ago (and took himself out of the race). some say Max punted himself in Silverstone in '21, but if you watch, Lewis dive bombed the corner and when his front end wouldn't let him make the turn, he punted Max. then later that same race, he did the same to Leclerc, in order for Leclerc to survive the corner, he had to leave the race track and concede the position to a reckless dive bomb. 2016 is filled with fun excursions between him and his teammate. so yeah, Lewis goes for gaps too, and takes unnecessary risks as much as any other driver,
'so yeah, Lewis goes for gaps too, and takes unnecessary risks as much as any other driver', well said, ANY other driver
Well Lec is the F1 driver and you're not, so you have a better view than he has?
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