Max Verstappen praised Charles Leclerc as the best qualifier on the current Formula 1 grid ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, highlighting the Ferrari driver’s exceptional one-lap speed. Verstappen’s endorsement underscores the intense rivalry between the two stars as they compete for supremacy in the 2025 season.
Charles Leclerc’s Exceptional Qualifying Pace Recognized by Verstappen
Charles Leclerc, who holds 27 pole positions in his 165 Formula 1 starts, is known for his raw talent in qualifying despite not yet having secured a World Championship title. When asked by Mundo Deportivo about the best qualifier, Verstappen responded without hesitation,
“Phew, it’s difficult, but I think that currently, I’ve always considered Charles Leclerc to be a very good driver in qualifying.”
This compliment comes amid a rich qualifying landscape where Lewis Hamilton leads all time with 104 poles, Verstappen himself ranks fifth with 45 poles from 225 starts, and Leclerc’s pace continues to impress across various circuits.
Verstappen’s admiration points to more than just statistics. Leclerc’s willingness to push limits and deliver under pressure remains unmatched. For example, at the 2022 Spanish Grand Prix, Leclerc recovered from a spin during his first Q3 lap to clinch pole on his second flying lap, demonstrating remarkable composure and skill.
Leclerc’s talent for navigating tight spaces is also highlighted by memorable performances such as the 2019 Singapore Grand Prix, where he threaded his car between barriers to secure one of the boldest pole positions in recent memory. His adaptability to challenging conditions was on full display at Interlagos in 2018, where he brought his Sauber into Q3 among wet track conditions that tested many drivers’ limits.
His latest demonstration took place at the Hungaroring in 2025, where he won Ferrari’s first pole of the season in a highly competitive Q3 session. The gap between the top ten drivers was just 0.543 seconds, marking the closest qualifying shootout in F1 history. Leclerc managed to edge out quicker McLaren rivals to earn his 27th pole, and his first front-row start at the Hungarian circuit.
Verstappen also applauded Leclerc’s racecraft beyond qualifying, describing him as one of the best overtakers on the grid, underscoring the Ferrari driver’s comprehensive race performance skills.
Shared Roots and Mutual Respect Between Verstappen and Leclerc
Verstappen’s respect for Leclerc extends well beyond their qualifying duels. The two drivers have known each other since their karting days, where they often competed for junior championships. Verstappen credits their shared journey as a foundation for his appreciation of Leclerc’s talent and character. Speaking about their rivalry, Verstappen said,
“I always thought that, if I would make it to F1, Charles will also make it. You can see already from a young age the really strong drivers. It’s never been a surprise to me that Charles is sitting here. Of course, after that you need a little bit of luck to be in the right team to get on the front row, but it’s not a surprise that we are sitting here together.”
Charles Leclerc echoed this sentiment, reflecting on their early ambitions:
“I think we knew that we were very fast because we were already competitive in karting and whenever we changed categories, we were always competitive. But it’s still such a long way off F1 that you don’t really imagine yourself there… It’s amazing, I have really, really good memories.”
Current Season Standings and Upcoming F1 Race Outlook
As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches its final stages with eight races remaining, both Verstappen and Leclerc remain key contenders. Verstappen currently holds third place in the championship standings, having earned seven podiums and three wins, while Leclerc is fifth with five podium finishes. They are separated by 67 points, both enduring campaigns that have involved challenges but continue to demonstrate high levels of performance and determination.
Formula 1 will take a brief pause before resuming action at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku on September 21. With their shared history and fierce on-track battles, the rivalry between Verstappen and Leclerc is expected to provide thrilling moments as the season reaches its climax, with both drivers striving to enhance their legacies in the sport.
