Leclerc expects more tension between Verstappen and him

Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen competed for victories in karting many times in the past. This season both men are facing each other in Formula 1, where the respect for each other is obvious. However, the Monegasque does not rule out the possibility that tension will eventually arise, he said in an interview with Formule1.nl.

Where Leclerc started the season excellently, it was Verstappen who came out stronger. This resulted in an 80-point lead over the Ferrari driver during the summer break, giving the Dutchman a relaxed feeling as he heads into the second half of the season.

Leclerc on fight with Verstappen

For now, Leclerc is not giving up the fight with Verstappen. The Grands Prix of Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy are scheduled for the next three weeks, during which he hopes to immediately reduce the difference in the championship drastically. He then expects the battle between the two men to feel different.

"There is a lot of mutual respect, which is nice to see," he told the outlet. "But when there are only five races to go and we are close together in the championship, it is inevitable that there will be more tension."