Reflecting on their different motorsport journeys thus far, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc covered everything from their karting days to their time in Formula One with Red Bull and Ferrari.
When the drivers entered Formula One, a video of a heated confrontation between them after an incident went viral on social media, reigniting their bitter rivalry. The two were intense competitors in the karting world.
Even though both athletes have achieved great success in the sport, Verstappen has emerged as the winner, taking home three world titles in a row and 54 triumphs, versus Leclerc’s five wins and 23 pole positions.
Verstappen: I anticipated Charles would win an F1 race.
Verstappen said the following after Leclerc beat him to the pole in Las Vegas: “I always thought that, if I would make it to F1, Charles will also make it.” You can see the really powerful drivers from back then, who were also in Formula One at an early age, already, I believe.
“The fact that Charles is seated here has never surprised me. Of course, to get on the front row after that, you have to be in the right team occasionally, but it’s not surprising that we are seated here together, I believe.”
Leclerc expressed his opinion by saying, “No, same.” However, it also goes without saying that when you are young and competing in karting, Formula One seems so far away, so it was clearly not a certainty for me that I would compete in Formula One at some point.
“We were aware of our speed since we were competitive in karting, and we will continue to be so even in new categories. However, Formula One is still so far off that it’s difficult to picture oneself competing there right now.
However, it’s incredible. I mean, I have some very wonderful recollections. Other memories that weren’t so great at first but improved over time! As you become older, you remember hilarious things that happened that you may not have liked at the time. It was enjoyable.
Verstappen will be targeting his fourth consecutive world championship going into 2024, while Leclerc, who placed fifth in 2023, will be aiming for his first victory.
READ MORE: Verstappen’s stunning F1 debut revealed an unexpected fact about him
