Leclerc impresses in qualifying: 'Maybe more than Verstappen'

Charles Leclerc seems to be able to seriously compete for the title for the first time this season. In 2019 he was also one of the candidates, but then Mercedes was too dominant. In 2020, Ferrari fell far back. Patience now seems to be rewarded, because in 2022 the Italians have one of the fastest cars on the grid.

But it's not just the car that's tremendously fast this season, as Leclerc has also shown on several occasions that he's capable of great things. In qualifying he is virtually unbeatable and also in the race he looks continuously strong. According to Italian commentator and former GP2 champion Davide Valsecchi, Leclerc can increasingly be compared to the greatest drivers on the current grid.

Terrain to be gained in the race

"In qualifying he is certainly at the level of Verstappen and Hamilton, perhaps he is even better than Verstappen, but it is too early to say that he is better than Hamilton, because the Englishman has done sensational things in his career in qualifying," the Italian acknowledged at OESport.

Yet there are also many areas for improvement for the driver from the Principality. "In the race, he will reach the level of Verstappen and Hamilton when he becomes world champion, because there you acquire more certainty and awareness in your means." The Italian previously said he noticed that Verstappen is now much more calm, with a world title under his belt.