“If Verstappen is aggressive for me it's better, at least I gain points on Norris” Charles Leclerc admitted at the end of the Mexican Grand Prix. A comment that smacks of strategy in this final part of the season, in which the duel between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris has become the perfect scenario for a Ferrari that, silently, aims to reap the benefits of every clash. Charles Leclerc observes the battle between the two rivals, aware that every maneuver on the limit could bring him closer to the Constructors' title for Ferrari.
Leclerc ready to take advantage of Verstappen-Norris duel
Leclerc explained how his goal is to remain focused race after race, avoiding focusing on a Drivers' Championship that remains unlikely, but on a Constructors' Championship that, on the contrary, is more within reach than ever. “I'm glad that Max is as aggressive as possible towards Lando, because that helps me,” commented Leclerc. “It gives me the chance to be closer to Lando in the Drivers’ Championship, because that is still a fight.”
The numbers prove the Monegasque right: while all eyes are on the Verstappen-Norris challenge, the two are 47 points apart, while Leclerc is only 24 points behind the Englishman from McLaren. “There's more fighting between me and Lando than there is between Lando and Max,” added Leclerc, highlighting how important it is for him to take advantage of the tensions between the two to stay in the game.
Towards the season finale
Regarding his world championship race, Leclerc reiterated that he does not consider himself in contention for the Drivers' title: “You have to focus race by race. It’s not in my control to win the Drivers’ Championship. Even if I were to win all the races, it would require Max to have very poor weekends and I don’t count on that.” Ferrari has taken two wins and scored important points with both drivers in recent races, a result that neither McLaren nor Red Bull have replicated recently.
Source statements: FormulaPassion