The 2021 Formula 1 Championship battle was one for the history books. It was no less than a Hollywood script and Netflix had a field day with it. The rivalry between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton turned sour on many occasions during the season. In 2022, however, the Championship battle between Verstappen and Leclerc has been intense but without all the drama.

Red Bull and Ferrari are clearly the teams to look out for this season. It seems as though the title battle will go down to the wire between both Leclerc and Verstappen. However, both camps have been very coy when it comes to playing mind games or antagonizing the other.

Leclerc has a possible theory as to why. Speaking to the media, Leclerc explained, “There is a lot of mutual respect, which is nice to see.” (translated using Google)

But warned that when the Championship decider comes close, things are bound to get heated. “But when there are only five races to go and we are close in the championship, it is inevitable that there will be more tension.” 

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Having said that, both Leclerc and Verstappen have emphasized in the past on the importance of having clean racing and respectful battles.

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc crave a clean title fight in the aftermath of last year

Both Verstappen and Leclerc have spoken about how they expect a clean title fight leading up to the eventual finale.

“You can argue that this year is a bit less aggressive than normal with the fights between us…But the fight with Max [and myself this season], obviously I love it,” said Leclerc.

Last year was pretty taxing on the defending champion, Max Verstappen. Naturally, it comes as no surprise that he expects a less dramatic and taxing battle with Leclerc this year.

“And I think also we are fighting a very well-respected competitor in terms of Ferrari, the way they go about, the way we are fighting,” remarked Verstappen.

“We are hard competitors on the track, and we will always try to beat each other, which I think is very normal, but outside of it, you can have a good time as well, and that’s what I really enjoy about this year.”

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Halfway through the season, Verstappen holds the advantage. However, we’ve seen a certain Ferrari driver turn the beast mode on after the Summer break, albeit in a Red Bull. Can Leclerc emulate Vettel and consequently take the crown away from Verstappen?