Leclerc complimentary: 'Lot of respect for what Verstappen has achieved'

Charles Leclerc is proud to be at the top of Formula 1 alongside Max Verstappen. Both men competed against each other in karting at a young age, with their talent already evident. Since then, their relationship has changed, Leclerc noted in conversation with Motorsport-magazin.com.

"It's a more mature relationship," states the Ferrari driver. "I said at the beginning of the year that if we fought each other at the end of the season, the relationship would definitely become more intense. That's part of the sport. Max has done a great job and I have a lot of respect for what he has achieved."

Leclerc happy with Ferrari teammate Sainz

Where he failed to compete against Verstappen this season, he hopes it will be different in 2023. In doing so, Leclerc will not only have to deal with the Dutchman, as Carlos Sainz also still has the potential to go for the world title.

Leclerc has a good relationship with his teammate, he reveals in the interview. The pair did not know each other personally before working together at Ferrari, but found out over the past two seasons that their characters were a good match. Therefore, the Monegasque could not imagine a better teammate.

"We knew each other only briefly before his time at Ferrari. All I knew was that he told me once in Abu Dhabi that he would like to drive for Ferrari one day. But our relationship is very good. We are very competitive, but we work together to help the team."