Leclerc: 'Verstappen always drives on the limit, Hamilton is so smart'
F1 News
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc wants to stay with the F1 team for as long as possible. Although the gap to Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen in 2023 is far too big to lay claim to the title, a race win may still be in the cards. In any case, Leclerc thinks Verstappen is not unbeatable.
Leclerc sees future at Ferrari
Leclerc spoke at length to Italy's Corriere Della Sera about his own F1 career, the current F1 season and about the drivers on the current grid he considers the strongest. Leclerc is in a shared fifth place in the championship with George Russell. The Monegasque has passed his teammate Carlos Sainz since the Belgian GP, where he took his first F1 victory in 2019.
Leclerc remains Ferrari's front-runner and seems to be doing a good job. In the silly season, his name has been mentioned for seats at Mercedes and even Red Bull. These are just rumours and it is also not the course Leclerc wants to take. Leclerc: "I love Ferrari and I want to win with this team. That's my priority [...] I know what I want, I'm just waiting to see what Ferrari wants." Possibly Leclerc is referring to rumours about the continuation of his career after Ferrari. His current contract runs until 2025 with an option for another three-year extension.
Will Leclerc choose Verstappen or Hamilton?
The conversation with the Italian newspaper continues and comes down to the two biggest rivals he has fought, Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen. Who is harder to beat? Leclerc: "They both have completely different driving styles. Max always goes to the limit, I love that approach. He is aggressive and creates spectacular battles. Lewis, on the other hand, is a very clever driver."
Leclerc explains further: "For example, how he [Hamilton] moves his car in a corner. He is less aggressive, but thinks more. If he doesn't overtake you at one point, it's because he already knows another, easier place to attack." Verstappen makes no mistakes in 2023. Will Leclerc ever manage to beat him? Leclerc: "He is not unbeatable. We have done it before. It's up to us to catch him and the Red Bull."