Leclerc not afraid of Verstappen: 'I think I'm pretty strong'

Charles Leclerc has had two excellent Grands Prix. Where he managed to take victory in Bahrain, a week later in Saudi Arabia he settled for second place. This allows him to dream of a World Championship, although he knows that in order to do so he must be strong throughout the season.

The Monegasque has been part of the Ferrari team since the beginning of 2019. He hoped to compete for the world title with the Italian racing stable, but went through some difficult years with the formation. Meanwhile, the illustrious team has made some great strides and seems to be able to compete with the car in 2022.

After the rule changes, it was long in question which teams would be able to fight at the top of the standings as well. Red Bull Racing appears to have built a car that can compete for the top prizes again this season, so Max Verstappen and Leclerc are suddenly facing each other. It's a special fight, because both men know each other well from the past.

"I think I'm pretty strong in a wheel-to-wheel duel and I'm also trying to improve all the time. I've known Max since our karting days, so I know him quite well," Leclerc then told Speedweek.com. "We have had some great duels and I think they have been useful in developing our own driving style."