Charles Leclerc has expressed doubt about Max Verstappen’s likelihood of winning the Formula 1 championship this season, despite acknowledging the Dutch driver’s relentless effort and progress. Verstappen’s recent string of victories has significantly closed the gap in the title race, drawing attention to his renewed challenge for the crown.
After a period in which Verstappen appeared out of contention, his back-to-back wins, including a notable performance in Azerbaijan, brought him within 69 points of championship leader Oscar Piastri. This surge has reignited discussions about Verstappen’s prospects for claiming the championship this year.
Verstappen’s Revival in the Championship Battle
Initially, Verstappen’s streak of consecutive world titles, which had reached three, seemed likely to end this year as McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris rose to prominence. However, Verstappen’s victories following the summer break, where he consistently outscored McLaren’s Norris, have reinvigorated his challenge.
Though Verstappen began the summer lagging behind by 104 points at the Dutch Grand Prix, his persistent performance has reduced that deficit to 69 points, placing him firmly back in the hunt. This comeback is especially significant as McLaren has faced difficulties in recent races, which Verstappen has capitalized on to close the gap.
Leclerc’s View on Red Bull and McLaren’s Competition
Leclerc, though still mathematically capable of winning the championship under extraordinary circumstances, praised Verstappen’s determination and the improvements Red Bull has made with their car. He highlighted the competitive nature of the fight between Red Bull and McLaren.
I think Max is not leaving anything on the table,
Leclerc said. “I think they’ve done a big step forward with the car, and they are now at a very strong level as well.
I don’t think that it’s been a very smooth weekend for McLaren in the last two weekends. So I don’t think that Red Bull is now dominating again. I think it’s very close between McLaren and Red Bull, but Max is doing a better job at the moment and congratulations to him.
Leclerc’s Doubt About Verstappen’s Title Prospects
Despite his respect for Verstappen’s performance, Leclerc stated that he would be very surprised if Verstappen were to capture the championship this season. Leclerc anticipates the title battle will be more likely between McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Meanwhile, Leclerc is enduring a difficult season himself, having yet to secure a race win, and currently sits fifth in the standings. His struggles this year have invited criticism from former world champion Jacques Villeneuve.
Concerns Raised Over Leclerc’s Performance and Future
Villeneuve suggested that Leclerc is becoming increasingly aware that a world championship might be out of reach for him. He described the situation as deteriorating and predicted challenges ahead with upcoming regulation changes that may not favor Ferrari’s performance.
Charles is frustrated because he’s probably starting to understand that he will never be World Champion,
Villeneuve stated during an appearance on Sky’s The F1 Show podcast.
Villeneuve added that despite the downturn, drivers like Lewis Hamilton maintain a lasting global reputation due to their multiple world championships, independent of current performance.
At least Lewis can rely on the fact that he’s a multiple World Champion so it doesn’t matter if the star falls a little bit. He will always be that big global star anyway, that goes beyond F1.
Implications for the Season Ahead
The ongoing rivalry between Verstappen, Piastri, Norris, and Leclerc continues to shape this F1 season with high tension and uncertainty. Verstappen’s recent resurgence keeps his Max Verstappen title chances alive, but Leclerc’s skepticism highlights the challenges that remain.
With new regulations coming next year, Ferrari and their drivers face an uncertain future, making this season crucial in examining who will rise or fall in the ranks. Verstappen’s ability to maintain momentum and McLaren’s consistency may ultimately decide the championship outcome.
