After a month-long summer break, F1 is back with the thrill and drama. The Zandvoort circuit is ready to host the 2024 Dutch GP, but a few questions linger. What’s F1 without some blast from the past? We mean to say, bringing out old rivalries and wondering what if they were teammates- a fun activity! In this context, imagine if Max Verstappen became Charles Leclerc‘s teammate in 2025. This idea looks more far-fetched than Sebastian Vettel’s F1 return. Thus, the boss of the Red Squad has some thoughts.

Ferrari’s boss, Fred Vasseur, is more than satisfied with Hamilton in the team; he is Leclerc’s perfect partner from next year onwards. Looks like Vasseur wouldn’t try poaching Max into his team. Despite being on good terms with Charles Leclerc, the Dutchman has an age-old rivalry with the Frenchman. So, having him on the team could increase the number of ‘inchidents’. Knowing Max, who prefers a timid teammate, Charles is definitely not his first choice.

Why take Hamilton and not Verstappen? Speaking with Corriere Della Sera, Fred Vasseur clarified: “Beyond Max’s long contract with Red Bull, Lewis is ideal for Ferrari. For his experience, for the relationship he has with Charles, for his calm.” Fred indicates that Charles Leclerc has a better relationship with Hamilton than with Verstappen. This could be the case given both the Monegasque and the Red Bull star, clashed relentlessly on the track. Although Max has had the upper hand in most cases, Leclerc has never backed out of the tough fights.

F1 has a history of drivers that have turned from friends to foes like Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. There are also stories of the enemies-to-friends genre, like Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg. However, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen‘s story remains one of the most iconic narratives, thanks to the invention (or pronunciation) of a new way of saying ‘incident’.

Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen’s rivalry goes back to their karting days

Why do you think Fred Vasseur thinks Lewis Hamilton is the right teammate for Leclerc? There are a few reasons that come to our mind. First, the Mercedes ace brings his almost two-decades-old experience with seven titles. Second, Charles Leclerc could learn some tactics and take tips to improve and capitalize on his tough situation. Third, Hamilton will have a ‘calming’ effect on Leclerc- that’s what Vasseur believes, and only time will tell how accurate he is.

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen’s need for a weaker teammate would never lead him to the doors of Maranello. Moreover, ardent F1 fans know the competition between Verstappen and Leclerc dates back to 2012. “No it’s unfair, he push me, I push him and after he push me off the track”, “Nothing just an inchident”, rings a bell?

Of course, it did.

As soon as this clip surfaced on the internet, it went viral. Since then, Leclerc’s “Nothing just an inchident” has become a meme. However, one thing that cannot be ignored is the rivalry the drivers shared back then. It’s remained the same after all these years. The two drivers clashed once again in Sakhir 2020, where both Max and Charles hit the wall, DNFed, and brought out the safety car.

From time to time, the Dutchman and Ferrari‘s ‘Golden Boy’ have clashed. The transition from the karting tracks to F1 tracks has changed nothing. Although they are good friends now, the duo would make a nightmare pair for any F1 team. What else do you expect from an F1 champion and a potential f1 champion?

However, the same will be seen when Lewis Hamilton joins Ferrari, but the level of heat competition is expected to be slightly low, in Fred Vasseur’s opinion. Moreover, Lewis’s knowledge and experience would be more valuable than anything else. Now, only 2025 will unfold all the secrets. How do you visualize the Verstappen-Leclerc pairing? Share below.