Leclerc Not Surprised by Verstappen's Late Title Surge

Charles Leclerc isn't surprised by Max Verstappen's strong late-season title charge, attributing it to Red Bull's aggressive development and Verstappen's consistent high performance. However, Leclerc remains skeptical about Verstappen's championship chances, given the 40-point deficit to the McLaren drivers, despite acknowledging Verstappen's exceptional form.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's relentless pursuit, closing a 100-point gap to just 40 in four races, highlights Red Bull's development prowess and sets up a thrilling conclusion to the F1 season. This shift in momentum puts immense pressure on McLaren's drivers and underscores the critical role of continuous car development in a championship fight.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Consistent Performance: Leclerc emphasizes that Verstappen consistently operates at a 'very high level,' making his late surge less surprising.
• Red Bull's Development Edge: According to Leclerc, Red Bull has pushed car development more aggressively than McLaren and Ferrari, who both reportedly stopped their major development efforts 'quite a while ago.' Mercedes is also noted for its continued development.
• Championship Odds: Despite Verstappen's impressive form, Leclerc believes it would be 'very surprised' if Verstappen clinches the title, due to the significant 40-point gap to the championship leader, Oscar Piastri.
• Betting on McLaren: If forced to bet, Leclerc would place his money on the McLaren drivers to win the championship, though he acknowledges that 'you can never really rule out Max.'
• Max's Aim: Verstappen has cut over 100 points from the lead since the Dutch Grand Prix and is now aiming for perfection in his bid for a fifth consecutive drivers' title.

Between the lines:

Leclerc also touched upon his unique position in battling the top three drivers without championship stakes. He believes this gives him a 'slight advantage,' allowing him to be more aggressive in duels. He speculates that championship contenders might be 'a bit more cautious' with him than with each other due to their higher stakes.

What's next:

The remaining races will be crucial in determining whether Red Bull's continuous development and Verstappen's exceptional driving can overcome the current points deficit. The dynamic between Leclerc and the championship contenders could also play a significant role in how the final races unfold.