Charles Leclerc Stops Max Verstappen Switch Option Dead With Touching Message for Ferrari

via Imago

Image Courtesy: ImagoCharles Leclerc (L) and Max Verstappen (R)

‘The grass is always greener on the other side’ – A quote that miserable people live by. But Charles Leclerc is not one of them. Ferrari hasn’t given more than a few occasions to help him sleep peacefully. But does that deter him from loving the Iconic Red that he represents? Absolutely not. According to him, even if he was offered to switch places with Max Verstappen in the race to multiple World Championships in Formula 1, he’d stick with the Maranello outfit and that’s that.

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Verstappen and Leclerc have been contemporaries for over a decade. You might have come across a viral video of the ‘Inchident’ between them at the 2012 WSK-Euro series 2 Karting championship. Since then, they have had their own journeys. The Dutchman has gone on to break historic records with Red Bull while the Monegasque is left fighting for podiums and points behind him. That is how much Ferrari has troubled Leclerc with their strategic mismanagement.

Many other drivers would consider leaving a team if such a thing carried on for so long. If it was Verstappen’s Red Bull car that they get to drive instead, they would take it at the drop of a hat. However, Leclerc has decided to stay completely loyal to the Maranello stable through thick and thin. A strong marriage, if you will. In a recent interview, he was asked if he fancied leaving Ferrari and potentially getting Verstappen’s seat at Red Bull. Take a look at the heartwarming answer that he gave.

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“Yes and no,” said Leclerc, building towards an intriguing answer. “I would never change with him. In the sense that being a Ferrari driver has always been my dream and becoming world champion with Ferrari is my goal. I know that right now I don’t have the car to fight with Max, but I have no doubt that my path is the right one. I will look at my career when I retire, but I have no regrets or remorse. I am happy at Ferrari.”

Max Verstappen is your peer and you grew up together. He already has two world titles and the third one is close. Do you think about the comparison?

Charles: "Yes and no. I would never change with him. In the sense that being a Ferrari driver has always been my dream and… pic.twitter.com/BHRkTHyRJZ

— tami. (@Vetteleclerc) August 26, 2023

It is beautiful to hear such an answer from a racer who has been frustrated for so long with his team’s low performance. But on the racetrack, the emotions have to be kept aside. And the racetrack is exactly where Verstappen’s strength lies and Ferrari’s weakness.

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Charles Leclerc’s decision to tough it out with Ferrari is commendable. That isn’t translating into more podiums and victories. Red Bull, on the other hand, has a car that could dominate the grid, possibly without further upgrades. According to the Monegasque, only the 2026 regulations can provide some relief to RB’s rivals.

via Imago

RECORD DATE NOT STATED Formula 1 2023: Dutch GP CIRCUIT ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS – AUGUST 25: Charles Leclerc, Scuderia Ferrari during the Dutch GP at Circuit Zandvoort on Friday August 25, 2023 in North Holland, Netherlands. Photo by Simon Galloway / LAT Images Images EDITORIAL USE ONLY GP2313_162624SMG_1019

“The field seems to be very tight here and there is still quite a lot of pace to be gained, especially on the qualifying runs,” Leclerc told Sky Sports, on Friday, at Zandvoort. “We are trying to work towards catching Red Bull but it’s a big margin. It’s going to be very difficult to catch them before the change of regulations.”

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The passion that Leclerc has for driving for the most successful team in F1 history is exceptional. But how long can he carry on with Ferrari if there is no end in sight for their miseries?

WATCH THIS STORY | Max Verstappen’s Partner Reveals Pregnancy Struggles While Spotlighting $76.45M Brand

Yash Kotak

361 articles

Edited By: Aishwary Gaonkar

I would never change with him. In the sense that being a Ferrari driver has always been my dream and becoming world champion with Ferrari is my goalWe are trying to work towards catching Red Bull but it’s a big margin. It’s going to be very difficult to catch them before the change of regulationsWATCH THIS STORY | Max Verstappen’s Partner Reveals Pregnancy Struggles While Spotlighting $76.45M Brand