A person has two sides. A caring one for his friends, forgiving all their mistakes and shielding them. Other one, sparing none who crosses them. The only distinction is how it perceives the aggressor. The same is the case with Max Verstappen, who treats Charles Leclerc much like family despite the animosity between the two going back ages! No matter what happens on the track, dare the Dutchman ever be upset or angry with the Ferrari driver? On the other hand, we all saw George Russell fall into the second category in Baku.

Now, coming onto Charles Leclerc, the Ferrari driver crashed out in Q3 with nearly a minute and a half to spare. He crashed right in the spot where he crashed during the second practice session. The session was immediately red-flagged. With this, you’d think the biggest damage was inflicted on Ferrari and Leclerc. Wrong. It was Max Verstappen, who was about to go on a flying lap after messing up his first run.

Finishing P9 with his teammate and championship contender Sergio Perez on the pole, the fans expected Max to lambast Leclerc. A Russell-like treatment was expected, but all were proven wrong as Max took the blame and shielded Leclerc from the criticism. The fans were shocked but saw it coming, as they like to call the driver duo a “couple”.

Max Verstappen comes out to defend Charles Leclerc and the fans love it

Commenting upon the disappointing result, Max said, “Such a red flag can always happen on a street circuit. My own mistake in the first run. No lap time after such a positive weekend is frustrating.” 

READ MORE: Charles Leclerc’s Mercedes Rumored Move Questioned as Toto Wolff & Co. Reminded to Justify the Risk

Leclerc has been called out on social media for “pushing too much.” After he was defended by his boss, Frederic Vasseur, Max Verstappen emerged as an unlikely ally of the Monegasque and defended the Ferrari driver. The fans hailed Max for backing up Leclerc, being a true racer, and keeping the rivalry aside.

A quick shift in sentiment could also be Max’s learning from the last weekend when the fans called him out for being overly aggressive.

Leclerc will start seventh, whereas his teammate will start third. Max is locked in for ninth, while Sergio Perez took the pole for the main race in Miami.

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Do you think Max Verstappen will make a strong recovery on Sunday? Or could we see a twist with rain predicted to bless the fans?