Leclerc offers surprising verdict on Verstappen’s title push

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Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has chimed in on Max Verstappen’s chances of hunting down and overhauling McLaren’s drivers in F1’s epic title fight, with an intriguing view that’s part respect, part reality check.

With just five races left, the Red Bull ace has slashed a once-yawning 104-point gap to a tantalizing 40, thanks to a remarkable run of three outright wins, a Sprint victory and a runner spot in the last four races.

Yet Leclerc, who has witnessed Verstappen’s dominance up close in recent seasons, isn’t buying the comeback hype, although he readily tipped his cap to the Dutchman’s relentless brilliance.

Never Surprised by Max’s Mastery

“I mean, I'm never surprised,” Leclerc said when asked if Verstappen’s recent streak had caught him off guard.

“Max is always driving at a very high level, and considering Red Bull is probably the team that has pushed the developments more than other teams – I think McLaren has stopped quite a while ago, we also stopped quite a while ago and Mercedes and Red Bull are the two teams that pushed for a bit longer – it's not a complete surprise.”

©Ferrari

Still, the Monegasque isn’t convinced the reigning four-time champion can get it done.

“I'll be very surprised if he manages to win the championship from where he is,” Leclerc continued.

“I mean, again, he is always on top of things and always performing extremely well, but it's still 40 points, and 40 points is significant.

“So if I had to bet one dollar, I probably would on the McLaren drivers. But you can never rule out Max.”

Sainz: Verstappen’s “Nothing to Lose” Edge

Leclerc’s former Ferrari teammate, Carlos Sainz, sees the situation a little differently. Now at Williams, the Spaniard believes Verstappen’s underdog position may actually be working in his favor.

“With that philosophy of ‘nothing to lose’, everything feels less pressure on your shoulders and you just go and send it,” Sainz said. “And he's maximising his chances with that philosophy.”

Alpine’s Pierre Gasly highlighted the timeless mantra “never give up” and praised Verstappen’s relentless determination.

“Once again, it just shows that in this sport it's important to never give up,” the Frenchman added.

“The season is so long. I'm not going to lie, I'm even a little surprised that he came back that fast and that close to the front. Once again, I think it's just a great proof of resilience and always trying.

“Let's see what happens this weekend, but I'm sure he's building up the pressure on the two McLaren guys. Can Lando win? Yes. Can Piastri win? Yes. Can Max win? Yes.

“So I think it's just going to be a great battle for the championship.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.