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Leclerc on possible tensions with Verstappen as he battles for world title

Are tensions rising in battle for championship? Leclerc responds!

7 June at 12:00
  • Cas van de Kleut

In Formula 1, tensions can run high. This can happen after a crash or, of course, in a battle for the championship. The season is now starting to get exciting with the developments of Ferrari and McLaren. Leclerc therefore talks about whether he thinks tensions could run high in a battle for the championship.

An example of a championship battle where tensions were running high is the battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in 2021. Multiple crashes and tension throughout the season caused teams, as well as drivers, to clash at times.

Tension between Verstappen and Leclerc imminent?

When Leclerc was asked prior to the Canadian Grand Prix whether the drivers in with a chance of winning the world title were already different against each other, the Monegasque replied: "Not yet. If it gets closer and closer towards the end of the season, it might do. But I think we have all a lot of respect And I really believe that the new generation or at least the people I've grown up with. We are really good at separating what happens on track and what happens off the track."

The Ferrari driver continued: "We all have really good relationships outside the track. Whenever we put the helmets on there's no friends anymore and we'll do absolutely everything to be the other guy. But that's the way it should be so I don't expect an escalation in terms of relationship if it gets closer. At least I would be surprised if it does so but whatever it takes to win anyway."

This article was written in collaboration with Sophia Crothall.