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Leclerc Fires Back at Verstappen’s Bold Ferrari Claim: ‘That’s a Stretch’

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
November 28, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Leclerc Fires Back at Verstappen’s Bold Ferrari Claim: ‘That’s a Stretch’

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 03: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari talk on the drivers parade prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 03, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202411030339 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen’s assertion that he could have clinched the 2024 Formula 1 title even earlier had he been driving a Ferrari or McLaren has sparked debate, with Charles Leclerc calling the claim “a stretch.” While acknowledging Verstappen’s talent, Leclerc questioned the Dutchman’s ability to make such comparisons without fully understanding the nuances of rival cars.


Verstappen’s Bold Statement

After securing his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship in Las Vegas, Verstappen reflected on Red Bull’s midseason struggles, which included a 10-race winless streak. The reigning champion suggested he would have been even more dominant in Ferrari’s SF-24 or McLaren’s MCL38.

“Yes, even earlier,” Verstappen said when asked if he could have won the title in the McLaren. “[With the Ferrari], pretty much the same, I think. The Mercedes, no. I think that would have been trickier.”


Leclerc’s Rebuttal

Leclerc, who currently sits third in the championship standings behind Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris, responded diplomatically but firmly to Verstappen’s claim.

“He’s an incredible driver, no doubt,” Leclerc said. “But it’s very difficult to say something like that not knowing actually what the car is like.”

Leclerc argued that the diverse characteristics of the top teams’ cars make direct comparisons speculative at best.
“Whether he would have made it [the title] or not [in the 2024 Ferrari], I don’t know how the Red Bull is, how the McLaren is, and he doesn’t know how the Ferrari is.”


Ferrari’s Resurgence vs. McLaren’s Momentum

Ferrari has enjoyed a late-season revival, winning three races and closing the gap to McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship. However, McLaren’s midseason upgrades propelled Norris into the title fight, solidifying the Woking-based team’s status as Red Bull’s primary rival in 2024.

Verstappen’s hypothetical dominance in either car adds intrigue but is difficult to substantiate given the unique handling characteristics and development trajectories of Ferrari and McLaren this season.


The Bigger Picture: Verstappen’s Confidence

Leclerc attributed Verstappen’s comments to the confidence that defines his championship-winning mindset:
“One thing that makes Max such a good competitor is the confidence that he has,” Leclerc said. “But it’s maybe a bit of a stretch to say something like that.”


Conclusion: A Rivalry Renewed?

As the F1 paddock heads to Qatar, Verstappen’s claim has reignited conversations about driver-versus-car dynamics at the sport’s pinnacle. While Leclerc respects Verstappen’s achievements, the Ferrari ace made it clear: dominating in one car doesn’t necessarily translate to success in another.

For fans, the exchange adds another layer to the brewing rivalries among Verstappen, Leclerc, and Norris—a tantalizing preview of battles to come in 2025.

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