Leclerc not worried about duels with Verstappen: 'That's how it is now'

Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen immediately fought out an exciting duel in Bahrain. The two know each other from karting and know the kind of driver they'll have to deal with. Leclerc talks to the NOS about the rivalry between the two.

Verstappen and Leclerc fought for the world title in karting and the video in which an angry Jos and Max Verstappen run off the track after a Leclerc victory is already known to everyone.

Long history in motor racing

In 2022, the relationship between the two is a lot less intense as both have achieved their dream of a spot in Formula 1 and Verstappen even spoke of a "good relationship". This also showed in his interview before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Verstappen referred to the Monegasque as a huge talent.

In Bahrain, the two met again and the Ferrari driver enjoyed it. "It was nice and firm duels with Max and it is always difficult to keep him behind you. As far as I'm concerned, we'll continue like this all year," said the winner of the first race in 2022.

The last time Leclerc and Verstappen dueled was in 2019 at the Austrian Grand Prix. Then Leclerc stood on the podium with a sour face because Verstappen had taken over the lead with an aggressive move in the closing stages of the race.

Duels with Verstappen

"Max and I have obviously had some acrimonies in the past. For example, in 2019 after the Austrian Grand Prix I was pissed because I lost the race. Especially because it wasn't clear whether Max's overtaking maneuver was okay."

According to Leclerc, that clarity is there now and he himself will therefore not let the Dutchman surprise him without a fight. "If it's clear what is and isn't allowed, it will be okay. I think that's the case now. It would be great if we can entertain each other and the fans the whole season like we did in the first race," Leclerc concluded.