Max Verstappen recalls the past: Charles Leclerc bursts into laughter at press conference

During the press conference after the 2023 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc reminisced about a moment from their past. The two have known each other since a young age when they competed in karting. According to the stories of these 1997-born drivers, their relationship was not exactly friendly back then, but over the years, they now recall those moments with a smile.

Especially Max Verstappen, who has often shared some funny and iconic episodes from the early 2010s. “At that time, we weren’t exactly best friends, but it was a long time ago. Now we can laugh about it. Sometimes in karting, it was tough, but now that we are both in F1 and fighting for victory, it’s beautiful. He is always fast and very talented. Whether it’s overtaking or defending, he always does it very well,” he recounted in an interview a couple of years ago.

Even yesterday, during the post-qualifying press conference, the Dutchman praised Charles Leclerc’s talent, stating that he was sure that if he made it to F1, the Monegasque would join him.

The two often interact during pre and post-race moments, with social media users enjoying catching them in candid conversations where Max explains his perspective on what happens on the track, and Charles Leclerc is attentive to his words. There is a unique dynamic between them, which is not easy to find among drivers with such contrasting personalities.

In the post Las Vegas GP press conference after the podium ceremony, the two once again playfully teased each other. Max brought up a now-viral video from a kart race where they had some close encounters. Max Verstappen had quite a bit to say to Charles Leclerc at the interviewer’s microphone, while Charles insisted it was just a regular on-track incident.

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Max Verstappen: “Debriefing with Charles Leclerc? I think it’s something we do spontaneously. We were already doing it back in the karting days. It’s especially nice when you have a good race.”

Charles: “Exactly, but the debriefs we had in those days were a bit more tense.”

Max: “Just an incident!” And Leclerc bursts into hearty laughter!

Here is the full moment: