In a surprising revelation, F1 star Charles Leclerc opened up about his past perceptions of rival Max Verstappen, admitting he once thought the four-time world champion was a “bad person.” Their rivalry, which dates back to their karting days, has evolved significantly over the years, but not without its share of tension.
Leclerc and Verstappen, both born in 1997, have been fierce competitors on the track, battling for victories and titles. Notably, their rivalry intensified during the 2022 season, with Verstappen emerging as the more successful driver, boasting four championship titles to his name.
Their first major clash occurred at the 2019 Austrian Grand Prix, where Verstappen claimed victory in a nail-biting finish. The following week at Silverstone, the competitive spirit flared again, yet their rivalry has never crossed the line into outright hostility. Interestingly, off the track, they are believed to share a friendship.
In a candid interview with Sky Sports Italy, Leclerc reflected on how their relationship has transformed over time. He revealed that both drivers once held negative views of each other, shaped by their fierce competitiveness.
“When you’re on the track, it’s all about business,” Leclerc explained. “We’ve matured a lot since our early days, and life has changed dramatically for both of us. Back then, I genuinely thought he was a bad person, and he felt the same way about me.
Growing up taught us that people can be different off the track, which has completely changed our relationship.”
Fans may recall an endearing video from their karting days, where a young Verstappen expressed frustration over Leclerc allegedly pushing him off the track. When asked about the incident, Leclerc humorously downplayed it, calling it “just an incident on the race.”
As these two drivers continue to navigate their careers, one can’t help but wonder how their rivalry will evolve in the future. What other surprises might their journey hold?
