Charles Leclerc ‘always excited’ to battle Max Verstappen due to the Dutchman pushing the regulations

Charles Leclerc stated that he likes to race Max Verstappen as the Dutchman pushes the limits of Formula 1 regulations.

Charles Leclerc ‘always excited’ to battle Max Verstappen due to the Dutchman pushing the regulations

Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris engaged in a controversial duel during the US Grand Prix, sparking chaos among teams and drivers. As both raced fiercely for third position, the outcome favored Verstappen, even though Norris crossed the finish line ahead.

The Briton received a five-second penalty for gaining an unfair advantage by overtaking Max Verstappen beyond track limits. The controversy ignited when many argued that Verstappen should also have been penalized for pushing Norris and going off the track himself.

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Lewis Hamilton expressed his concerns, pointing out that the Dutchman frequently employs this tactic around tight corners. In contrast, Charles Leclerc praised this style of racing, stating he enjoys competing against Verstappen.

Max has always been on the limit of regulations, but that’s what makes racing Max so exciting, and that’s also why I really like having those fights with him.

Charles Leclerc told GPblog.com

While Leclerc enjoys the intense racing with Verstappen, he found the penalty given to Norris at the US GP to be too harsh. He felt it was unfair and echoed the concerns of others, including McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella.

Stella criticized the stewards for their interference during an exciting battle, calling their actions inappropriate. Leclerc emphasized the need for the FIA to rethink this situation to ensure fairness in the sport.

That’s what makes those fights very exciting. Having said that, I feel like there are few things maybe in Austin that I have seen that we maybe have to discuss with the FIA, because I feel like the penalties were sometimes a little bit too harsh, and we’ve got to make sure that we all align.

Charles Leclerc added

Charles Leclerc claims Oscar Piastri’s penalty was unnecessary at the US GP

Oscar Piastri also received a five-second time penalty during the US GP, which Charles Leclerc felt was unnecessary. Leclerc emphasized the need for ongoing discussions with the FIA to improve racing standards and ensure fair penalties across the board.

Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri (Image via Imago)

The incident in question involved Piastri overtaking Pierre Gasly on the inside of Turn 12 but forcing Gasly too far off the track in the process. The 23-year-old criticized the stewards for their inconsistent decision-making, noting that he and teammate Lando Norris faced penalties for similar incidents but received different outcomes.

But this is an ongoing process that we always try to optimise with the FIA, and it’s a discussion that we’ll have, I’m sure, during this briefing.

Charles Leclerc said

The race in Austin was particularly challenging for the Australian as he had no pace and could only finish fourth. Piastri has impressed alongside Norris this season. Fans expect him to defend against Max Verstappen, who is in competition with Norris for the drivers’ championship title.