Charles Leclerc on why his duels with Max Verstappen are ‘less aggressive’ this season. Charles explains why his battles with Verstappen are 'less aggressive'.

Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc was asked about why his current on track duels against Red Bull’s are considered “less aggressive” than anticipated given the circumstances, stressing that it is down to the “respect” they now hold for each other.

In the start of the 2022 Formula 1 championship, Charles Leclerc admitted that he and Max Verstappen “hated each other” when they were kids during their karting days, as the two climbed the motorsport ladder together with the goal of racing in Formula 1.

The media and fans still remember the fierce battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton for the title last year, but so far this season, the duel for the Formula 1 world title between the Dutchman and the Ferrari driver has been a largely clean one. Following a few wheel-to-wheel close battles in the start of the season, without any incidents, Max Verstappen leads the championship by 38 points over Charles Leclerc in the Drivers’ standings, ahead of the French Grand Prix, which takes place next weekend at the Paul Ricard circuit.

Asked to comment on the fight between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton from last season, and how his experience of racing against the Red Bull driver compares, Charles Leclerc provided a philosophical response:

“I mean, honestly, on the battle of Max and Lewis, I’ve got nothing to say,” Charles Leclerc told media – “I wasn’t in that battle and, unfortunately for me, I was fighting for less interesting positions last year! But the fight with Max [and myself this season], obviously I love it.” – he added.

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Charles Leclerc continued by explaining that despite the fact there was plenty of animosity between himself and Max Verstappen a few years ago, their frosty relationship has improved significantly: “We’ve known each other since a very long time [and] it’s always racing on the limits. You can argue that this year is a bit less aggressive than normal with the fights between us, but we’ve grown also throughout the years. We know each other’s weaknesses, we know each other very well, and that’s what makes it exciting – but there’s a lot of respect.” – Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc concluded.