Ex-F1 driver claims Charles Leclerc is a ‘puppy p**ing on the carpet’ in comparison to Max Verstappen

Charles Leclerc stands third in the drivers' championship, trailing the leader Max Verstappen by a whopping margin of 86 points.


Ex-F1 driver claims Charles Leclerc is a ‘puppy p**ing on the carpet’ in comparison to Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)

Former F1 driver David Coulthard has harshly critiqued Charles Leclerc in light of his recent performances. Leclerc finished P5 after a disappointing outing at the Brazilian Grand Prix last weekend. He was powerless against Max Verstappen, who won the race despite starting from P17 on the grid.

Charles Leclerc has had a mixed season so far. He has won thrice this season in an incredible manner but has faltered to maintain his strong form. Leclerc’s recent triumph at Austin signaled a warning for Max Verstappen, which later on fizzled out after his performance at Interlagos.

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David Coulthard has thereafter claimed that the Monegasque driver lacks massively in comparison to Verstappen. Coulthard, however, says that Leclerc can be one of the very best drivers if he resolves his mistakes from here on.

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I think that Max [Verstappen] arrived as the finished article, just with a few rough edges, when he came to F1, where for others, it’s taken a bit longer. Charles, he’s still like a puppy occasionally p**ing on the carpet. But once they iron out all those little mistakes, I think we’re going into a golden era of F1.

David Coulthard via the Formula For Success podcast

Leclerc heads into the last three races looking to revamp his form. Round 22 will take place at the Las Vegas street circuit and the Monegasque will be looking for a strong performance. Leclerc has always been a very confident driver around street tracks.

Charles Leclerc clears the air on misinterpreted message during Mexican GP qualifying

Charles Leclerc was visibly frustrated after managing to chart lap times only as good as P4 at the Mexican GP qualifying. He was heard cussing and reacting in anger to himself and his race engineer Bryan Bozzi on the radio.

Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)

Leclerc’s rant was misinterpreted to be being directed towards his teammate Carlos Sainz, who won the Mexican GP. The 27-year-old nevertheless clarified the issue, saying that rumors usually spread based on two seconds of coverage.

I’m very happy you brought it up because I’m very angry with what I’ve seen everywhere. People judge on two seconds of coverage. And actually before that, I went to see Carlos and there was no tension because I don’t even know what he was requesting at the beginning of the race.

Charles Leclerc via Sky Deutschland

Carlos Sainz departs for Williams Racing in 2025 after spending four seasons with the Maranello-based team. As an iconic duo nears an end, all remain happy and cheerful between Leclerc and Sainz ahead of the 2024 Las Vegas GP.