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Leclerc is better than Verstappen: He is the best of his generation

Leclerc is better than Verstappen: "He is the best of his generation"

05-09-2019 14:32
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Charles Leclerc seems to be taking control of Ferrari. In Spa, he picked up his first Formula 1 victory ever and Ferraris first win since the 2018 season. In just his first season in the Italian team, he's just 12 points behind Sebastian Vettel in the Formula 1 world championship. 

Due to the results, there are more and more signs that Vettel is losing the lead within his team. Former Ferrari CEO Luca di Montezemolo doesn't agree with that statement. 

"Sebastian was crucial for the victory in Spa, so it remains very important. If Sebastian doesn't perform his job there, I don't know if Leclerc will win the race," the Italian told Motorsport.

"The current driver duo is very strong, but Vettel has had a difficult season. However, everyone sometimes experiences that, also in normal life. Vettel is not suddenly the second driver. Vettel is just a first driver and Leclerc is working hard to become one. It is therefore only good to have two toppers in the house."

Di Montezemolo, however, does have praising words for Leclerc. "Charles was already quick for Alfa Romeo last season, but he has also made a few mistakes with Ferrari. If he already makes a mistake, he is very critical and immediately learns from that mistake. He is just like Niki Lauda in that sense."

"Leclerc is very smart and fast too. He can do that in qualifying, but also in the race. It is a complete driver who is the best of the new generation. He is simply the best of his age group and that is essential in Formula 1," says the Italian, suggesting that Leclerc is already at a higher level than Verstappen.