via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria – July 9, 2022 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates after winning the sprint race as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc celebrates after placing second Pool via REUTERS/Christian Bruna
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria – July 9, 2022 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates after winning the sprint race as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc celebrates after placing second Pool via REUTERS/Christian Bruna
Throughout the many twists and turns of this championship, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc have kept F1 fans hooked to their television sets on race weekends. They have fought tooth and nail, passing each other multiple times to take race wins. With half the season behind us now, it looks like 4-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has already made up his mind on the winner of the championship this season.
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Before the Silverstone race, the Aston Martin driver mentioned that he believes the current world champion will win once again. Although, he also hinted that his allegiance lies with his former teammate, Leclerc.
Seb on who he thinks will be 2022 F1 champion: "I think it will be Max. But I wish it will go on until the end, and I hope Charles will pip Max but rationally at this stage I think Max."
Y'ALL SEB IS ROOTING FOR CHARLES 😭 https://t.co/acuqyJLvKa
— tami. (@Vetteleclerc) July 12, 2022
Before the interviewer could finish her question, Vettel said, “Max!”
“I think it will be Max. But I wish it will go on until the end, and I hope Charles will pip Max, but rationally at this stage, I think Max.”
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Vettel and Leclerc were teammates at Ferrari for two seasons in 2019 and 2020. The German driver was outperformed by his younger and hungrier teammate. However, they still share a great relationship, and even in the interview, Vettre was quick to recognize the Monegasque’s talent.
Sebastian Vettel praises Charles Leclerc in his Ferrari departure
Despite facing testing times during their partnership at the Prancing Horse, the respect between the two drivers was always there. Before parting ways with one of the most iconic teams in the sport, Vettel called the Monegasque the ‘most talented driver’ that he has raced in F1.
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via Getty
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Ferrari and Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari talk after practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)
“To Charles, you are the most talented driver I came across in 15 years of F1. Don’t waste it. But be sure whatever you do to be happy and smile. Thanks for everything!” wrote Vettel while swapping helmets.
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Hence, it was no surprise to hear the German wants Leclerc to win the championship this season. But it is hard to disagree with him, as the Dutch driver might take another title home.
Since the interview, the gap between the two drivers has reduced. However, the Dutchman still holds a massive 38-point lead with half the season done. There will surely be more twists and turns in the championship, and who knows if it is a completely different second half of the year? Who are you picking-Verstappen or Leclerc?
