Verstappen on intense duel with Leclerc: "Felt like qualifying laps"

Whereas Max Verstappen wanted to put the first race of the season behind him as quickly as possible, the second race is a great contrast to the disastrous first weekend for Red Bull Racing. Verstappen notes that there was mostly very smart racing at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

"It was racing as it should be, in a clever way," says the Dutchman in conversation with De Telegraaf. "In the final stage it was continuously full throttle, it felt like qualifying laps. When I passed Charles, it was a challenge to keep him behind me."

Lots of mutual respect between Verstappen and Leclerc

The two crossed the finish line just half a second apart. A disappointment for Leclerc, although the Monegasque didn't let it show. As soon as he crossed the finish line he raised his thumb towards Verstappen and congratulated him over the on-board radio.

The way the battle between Leclerc and Verstappen plays out is a stark contrast to the relations between Red Bull Racing and Mercedes, which reached an all-time low in 2021. Even now, the teams have not forgotten that bitter rivalry.