Leclerc: 'If Verstappen doesn't become champion here, then very soon'

Ferrari started the 2022 F1 season very strongly and could target a strong title fight, but the proportions against Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing have turned so much that Charles Leclerc has given up hope with five races to go.

Leclerc gives up

With a win and the fastest lap in Japan, Verstappen is sure of his second F1 title. Leclerc indicated to the press at the Suzuka Circuit that as Verstappen's last challenger (along with Sergio Perez), he is going to have a tough time with the Red Bull driver. Indeed, the Monegasque predicted that Red Bull will be particularly fast at the Japanese circuit. At The FIA press conference later Leclerc told another medium: "I think, realistically, Max is going to be the champion. If not this weekend, then very, very soon."

Leclerc has already put the championship out of his mind, but that does not mean he will slack off in the upcoming five races: "We have to focus on ourselves. The performance on Sunday has to be good, because we had no lack of performance this year." It was the team's mistakes and Leclerc's own that killed the title chances. Leclerc and the Italian racing team are now preparing to perfect the Sundays in order to be able to maintain concentration in 2023 and fight for the title all year.