Scuderia Ferrari Formula One driver Charles Leclerc explained that it would be a "mistake" to follow the footsteps of four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen, because he is not aware of the team dynamics within Red Bull Racing that contributed to Verstappen's success.
Leclerc has established himself as a strong contender, even outperforming seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton multiple times last year. With the new cars this season, Ferrari has gotten off to a positive start, competing with the dominant Mercedes cars.
While Leclerc is yet to win his first F1 Drivers' Championship, he suggested not following Verstappen's path but instead focusing on himself and his team. Speaking ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, he said:
"Well, Max has obviously had an incredible career so far and has won four world championships, I didn't yet but I think every situation is different. I think it will be a mistake for me to kind of follow the footsteps of what Max has done and also because I have no idea what Max is doing inside the team in order to get this success. So, it will be purely trying and imagining what it takes and rather than doing that I think I prefer to focus in my own situation in the team trying to focus on the process."
May 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (left), Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli (center) and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (16) pose for a photo after finishing the qualifying session for the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
#driver #team #verstappen
Leclerc has established himself as a strong contender, even outperforming seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton multiple times last year. With the new cars this season, Ferrari has gotten off to a positive start, competing with the dominant Mercedes cars.
While Leclerc is yet to win his first F1 Drivers' Championship, he suggested not following Verstappen's path but instead focusing on himself and his team. Speaking ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, he said:
"Well, Max has obviously had an incredible career so far and has won four world championships, I didn't yet but I think every situation is different. I think it will be a mistake for me to kind of follow the footsteps of what Max has done and also because I have no idea what Max is doing inside the team in order to get this success. So, it will be purely trying and imagining what it takes and rather than doing that I think I prefer to focus in my own situation in the team trying to focus on the process."
May 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (left), Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli (center) and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (16) pose for a photo after finishing the qualifying session for the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
#driver #team #verstappen
3 months ago
