Leclerc explains difference with title fight between Verstappen and Hamilton

The battles between Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen this season were very different from those between the Dutchman and Lewis Hamilton. According to Leclerc, this has nothing to do with the drivers' generation, but more to do with the nature of the championship.

Verstappen won his second world title in 2022 in dominant fashion, but there was still a tough battle with Leclerc at the start of the season. Thus, the title rivals were engaged in a fierce battle on track in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Fans and pundits noticed that the battles between Verstappen and Leclerc were very "clean". The two drivers showed a lot of respect and gave each other enough space. Consequently, there was not a single incident. Things were different in 2021 between title rivals Verstappen and Hamilton. The two drivers clashed several times on the track, think of the British, Italian and Brazilian Grand Prix. Leclerc does not think the difference has to do with the fact that he and Verstappen come from the same generation.

Difference with Verstappen and Hamilton

"We know each other very well. But I don't think that was the reason why it was quieter between us. I think the difference with Max vs Lewis last year is that, we were at different points in the season. Our battles were at the beginning of the year. After that, either I had a big lead in the championship or Max was way ahead. You don't take as many risks", Leclerc says in an interview for the Motorsport Aktuell magazine.

"So it was more down to the nature of the championship. If we fight to the end in 2023, I believe that a tougher battle will be played out", says the Monegasque driver. Leclerc will be hoping he can fight for the title again next season after the disappointing 2022 year.