F1 News

Massa suggests Leclerc could win a title before Verstappen!

Massa suggests Leclerc could win a title before Verstappen!

09-11-2019 10:24
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Former Ferrari star Felipe Massa has suggested that Charles Leclerc could win a title before Max Verstappen does, despite the Dutchman having far more experience at the top level. Leclerc currently sits 14 points ahead of Verstappen in the drivers' standings and the duo are tipped to be F1's rivalry of the future.

Max Verstappen has long been considered the next big thing in F1 but his crown has been swiped at by Leclerc this season, who has claimed two wins in his first year at Ferrari.

Such has been Leclerc's impressive form in 2019, former Ferrari champion and 2008 nearly man Massa has implied that he believes Leclerc can win a title before his Aston Martin Red Bull Racing counterpart.

In an interview with motorsport.com, Massa said: “He's a very talented guy, but the thing that strikes me most is his head, and his ability to handle pressure.

“I do not know whether he is faster or slower than Verstappen, but the seven pole positions in his first year of Ferrari say a lot. He made some mistakes, but I think we all have to consider his still limited experience in F1 and it was his first year in a top team.

“He is a future world champion, and I think we will not have to wait long. I do not exclude that he can achieve that goal even before Verstappen.”