'Verstappen may have more guts and character, but also a better car'

Rene Arnoux has a high opinion of Charles Leclerc. The former Ferrari driver- who took a total of seven wins in his Formula 1 career- is curious to see how the 26-year-old driver would fare against three-time world champion Max Verstappen if they had an equivalent car.

According to Arnoux, Leclerc has had a lot of bad luck this season. According to him, that is therefore one of the reasons why Sainz has 'only' six fewer points in the World Cup. On the track, the difference over 22 weekends was greater, he believes: "Leclerc has been very regular, more than Carlos. For me, he belongs to the small group of the best, just like Verstappen. Max might have more guts or character, but you have to remember that with that car everything is easier for him, while the Ferrari ate up the tyres. After five laps, Verstappen could smile."

Is a contract extension imminent?

Leclerc will enter his sixth season at Ferrari next season, but he could not yet fight for the world title. However, the Monegasque still has confidence in the Italian formation, as rumours suggest he is about to extend his contract through 2029. The contract extension would be accompanied by a hefty salary increase.

However, Arnoux tells La Gazzetta dello Sport: "Charles is waiting not only for a contract but also for a car with which he can drive at the end of a Grand Prix as he did at the beginning. That is, which was not possible for him this year. He is waiting for a car that is good enough to compete with Verstappen for the world championship."

'RB19 best car in years'

Such a car as Verstappen has, such a car is also granted to Leclerc by the 75-year-old Arnoux. "Verstappen is a great driver and he has the best car in years. You only have to look at his onboard to realise that he is good and the Red Bull car allows him to be. How he can take the corners..., the others struggle a lot more and need a lot more corrections," he concludes.