Leclerc wants to avoid contact with Verstappen: 'It gets closer and closer'

As the Formula 1 season progresses and the battle between Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc intensifies, more and more people are wondering how long the atmosphere between the rivals will remain good. Leclerc reckons things could go wrong one day, but hopes it will not come to that.

Leclerc acknowledges that there could be an unexpected collision between him and Verstappen as the tension mounts. "I'm sure at one point during the season it will get more tense, for sure. Especially if we keep catching points and get closer and closer," he somewhat held off at Sky Sports.

However, the Monegasque says he is enjoying the battles he has had with his rival so far. "It's not like we have been easy or nice to each other! We've also been racing to the limit, but in a fair way. I hope this can continue," the Ferrari driver continued.

In Austria, Ferrari clearly had the fastest car, while Red Bull Racing had problems with tyre degradation. Leclerc was surprised to see these problems at the rival team, which has outperformed Ferrari in tyre management on several occasions this year. However, he insists he thinks the problems were a one-off.