Charles Leclerc on his rivalry with Max Verstappen and his ideal F1 driver. Charles' interview for La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc reflects on the rivalry with Max Verstappen in an interview for Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport

“In my nine years of karting, I was always with Max. We all grew up together with George (Russell), Esteban (Ocon), Pierre (Gasly) and Alex (Albon). We fought many battles together. When we were young we hated each other, but we grew up and we are more mature. It is nice to see us all together in F1”

Charles was asked if he and Max Verstappen have different driving styles: “I don’t like to say that I have a particularly driving style because in the end you have to learn to surprise your rivals and change your driving style when you have to.”

Charles Leclerc about Lewis Hamilton: “In my opinion Lewis Hamilton is one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history and he is doing a great job. He is always 100% and mentally very strong. The combination with Mercedes makes it very difficult to compete with them right now!”

But how does the ideal driver look like for Charles Leclerc?
“Michael Schumacher’s ability to work, Ayrton Senna’s talent and Lewis Hamilton’s intelligence. I believe that these three are the names that made F1 great at the end.” – the Monegasque driver explained.