René Arnoux believes Charles Leclerc had an opportunity to be more aggressive against Max Verstappen at the start of the Singapore Grand Prix, highlighting what the former Ferrari driver sees as an important mentality difference between the two Formula 1 rivals.
Leclerc and Verstappen have been competing against each other since the early stages of their racing careers, although their paths at the highest level have developed very differently. Their latest on-track confrontation came at Marina Bay, where they lined up alongside each other and immediately fought for the lead on the run towards the opening corner.
René Arnoux wanted Charles Leclerc to attack Max Verstappen
The start initially appeared to give Charles Leclerc a genuine opportunity. The Ferrari driver reacted well to the lights and produced a stronger launch than Verstappen, briefly drawing into a position from which he could challenge the Red Bull on the inside.
However, as the pair approached the first corner and the available space narrowed, Leclerc chose not to force the issue. He eased out of the contest rather than risk contact, allowing Verstappen to retain the advantage and take control of the race.
René Arnoux felt the Ferrari driver could have approached the situation differently. The former Scuderia racer explained that his philosophy had always been that a driver should attack whenever a genuine gap appears, suggesting Leclerc had a rare opportunity to put Verstappen under greater pressure.
Arnoux also considered how Verstappen might have responded had their positions been reversed. In his assessment, the Dutch driver has carried that aggressive mentality throughout his career and would be inclined to exploit such an opening. With overtaking opportunities particularly limited around Marina Bay, Arnoux believed committing to the move could potentially have influenced the outcome of the race.
Charles Leclerc admits he could have been more aggressive
Leclerc himself later acknowledged that there was room for a more forceful approach. Reflecting on the opening moments after the race, the Monegasque conceded that he might have been able to show slightly more aggression at the start.
The decision nevertheless underlined the difficult balance facing a driver in such a situation. Pushing harder into the opening corner could have created a better opportunity to take the lead, but it also carried the danger of contact and an immediate retirement.
That risk was particularly significant for Ferrari as every point remains valuable in its battle for second place in the Constructors’ Championship. Leclerc’s performance in Singapore nevertheless provided the team with encouragement, with his result also strengthening optimism ahead of Ferrari’s next major development step in Austin.
Austin offers Charles Leclerc another opportunity
Attention now turns to the United States Grand Prix, where Leclerc could soon have another opportunity to demonstrate the level of aggression Arnoux felt was missing at Marina Bay.
The Austin weekend is also set to carry additional significance for Ferrari because the team may introduce a new upgrade package for the SF-26. Leclerc has been pushing for continued development as the Scuderia attempts to prevent its Formula 1 rivals from gaining further ground, and the planned Ferrari upgrades for Austin could provide an important response to those concerns.
The next race will therefore test both Ferrari’s technical progress and Leclerc’s ability to capitalise on the opportunities that emerge on track. Fans preparing for the weekend can also find the full 2026 United States Grand Prix schedule and COTA guide.
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