Verstappen is a size too big for Leclerc and Norris who are too soft

Verstappen has won his third world title in a row. The first one involved a lot of tension due to a tough fight with Lewis Hamilton, the two after have seemingly fallen easily in Verstappen's favour. It's not really easy, but Verstappen makes it look easy because of his exceptional qualities. Qualities for which the competition have just a little too much respect.

You saw it abundantly clear in Brazil. Lando Norris naturally spoke afterwards about the strength of the RB19, Verstappen's qualities and the fact that Verstappen would have won the race anyway. What the Brit did not talk about, however, was that he had missed an opportunity to pass Verstappen on the track, while before that, he did everything right to get into that position.

Norris and Leclerc have too much respect for Verstappen

Whereas Norris could still say he had little chance on the outside of Verstappen, it was different for Leclerc in Abu Dhabi. In corners one and six, Leclerc managed to get on the inside of Verstappen. A place where Verstappen doesn't let you just get in. Yet Leclerc gave up this luxury position just like that.

Leclerc is clearly next to Verstappen in corners one and six when braking. Had the roles been reversed, you know how it would've ended. Look at the Las Vegas GP. Verstappen will always use the maximum (or just a bit more) of the track and push the driver on the outside all the way to the outside. That's how you overtake. Leclerc was too soft and left space for Verstappen. The Dutchman gratefully took advantage of that.

The contrast between the two is stark. Verstappen drove all-or-nothing in the era when Lewis Hamilton dominated every race. If there was a chance to win, Verstappen threw everything into the fray for it, resulting in several victories in those years. Leclerc has been dry for a while. Partly because the Ferrari is not competitive, but also partly because he is not taking his chances.

Why there is so much respect for Verstappen

Why are Leclerc and Norris not seizing those opportunities? They may have just a little too much respect for Verstappen on and off the track. They are young guys who have been getting along since childhood. They still sometimes bickered in karting, but they are now clearly more friendly. Whereas Verstappen can very easily switch between friend off track and enemy on track, Norris and Leclerc cannot do that yet.

In Vegas, Verstappen showed his killer instinct. Leclerc's greatest friend when he gets out of the car, but in turn one, it was the Verstappen as we know him: give him a hole, and he dives in, whoever it is. With Leclerc and Norris, you don't see that. They hold space in duels with Verstappen, and quite simply, you will never win the duel.

Norris and Leclerc are now using their car as an excuse for not being able to beat Verstappen, but with their current racecraft, they won't beat Verstappen in a better car, either. You must be more aggressive and leave no room for Verstappen once you pass him. Otherwise, Verstappen will always hit back. They should know that by now.