“I Disliked Max” – Charles Leclerc Makes an Honest Verstappen Admission

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc are arguably two of the best drivers in Formula One right now. They are both fast, fierce, and immensely talented. They have raced wheel-to-wheel on many occasions in the sport. But Leclerc mentions that in their karting days he did not have a good relationship with the Dutch driver.

Charles and Max have been rivals in motorsport since their karting days. They have raced with each other in the smaller categories of the sport as well. But the Monegasque driver stated that growing up, he disliked Verstappen very much.

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I disliked Max when we were younger: Charles Leclerc

As reported by Corriere. it, the Ferrari driver stated he does not have any problems with Verstappen or Hamilton in Formula One. He hopes to fight them head-on in the coming years.

“To be honest, I’m not allergic to Hamilton or Verstappen, though. I can deal with both of them just fine. I disliked Max when we were younger and we fought each other in karts or little single-seaters, while Lewis was driving F1 by then. Now they’re just two drivers I’d like to overtake with my own car.” said Leclerc.

In one of their many battles back in their karting days, we can see a visibly upset Max disgusted with Leclerc because of his on-track racing. When asked what happened, Verstappen replied,

” No, he is just unfair. I’m leading. He wants to pass, and he pushes me and I push him back and after that, he pushes me off the track. It’s not fair.”

But the young Monegasque saw the incident differently and mentioned,” Nothing, it’s just an incident on the race.”

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The Ferrari driver hopes the Tifosi can match the Orange Army

Formula One will travel to Monza this weekend and host the Italian Grand Prix. It would be a home race for the Italian team, Ferrari and Leclerc want the home fans to match the atmosphere of the Dutch Grand Prix.

“Obviously, Monza is always extremely special for the drivers and for the team,” Leclerc said.

“It is the home for the team, and we can always feel the support. Obviously, what I lived in 2019, I will remember that for my whole life. This year might be a bit more difficult compared to 2019, but it will be good to feel the support.

The craziness that we have seen for Max [at the Dutch GP] I hope to see it for us in Monza, but it is always very special to be racing at the home of Ferrari.” said Charles.

Charles Leclerc and the Ferrari outfit will want to make the most of their time in Monza and pull off heroics similar to their stint back in 2019. Verstappen made the most of his time at Zandvoort and was able to pull ahead of the competition. Time will be the best indicator as to whether Leclerc can use the upcoming home showing to his advantage.