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max verstappen interview charles leclerc

Verstappen and Leclerc discuss massaging tyres in Las Vegas

16 November 2023 at 10:00

Max Verstappen was talking to Sky Sports, but a question about Ferrari brought Charles Leclerc into the interview. That made for some interesting images and statements.

Ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen is the big favourite. However, the cold conditions and bumpy street circuit mean there are factors that could also indicate a good chance for Ferrari. When Ted Kravitz asks if the man behind him (Charles Leclerc) can be a threat in the race, Verstappen catches up with the Monegasque in the interview.

Leclerc and Verstappen together on camera

"I don’t know you should ask him. What do you think? Charles, can you come in?" Kravitz then asks about the difference in warming up the two teams' tyres. "It's like we massage the tyres," Verstappen said, after which Leclerc stated: "You do massage the tyres, but it's cold here, so I don't know if you'll have to massage the tyres. It's more aggressive. This is our strength."

Despite that, Leclerc thinks Red Bull will have the upper hand in qualifying and the race in Las Vegas. "Maybe we can do something in qualifying, you never know. We think we will be strong here. What do you think?", Leclerc asks Verstappen. "I don't think too much", is the simple answer. "Just drive?", Leclerc asked. "Yeah."