The rivalry between Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen stretches all the way back to their days in karting.
While Verstappen has enjoyed more success since they made it to F1 by racking up more than 50 wins and taking three world titles at Red Bull, Leclerc has enjoyed 24 poles at Ferrari and won iconic races at the Italian and Monaco Grand Prix.
The pair have had their fair share of on-track moments, notably during the 2019 Austrian Grand Prix when Verstappen prevented Leclerc from taking his first win on the penultimate lap with a forceful move.
Those who follow their career will know the significance of their on-track moments and how they stretch back to their days competing in the WSK European karting series.
The origins of Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen’s karting rivalry
The pair were fierce competitors on the karting scene, with a heated exchange between them becoming a viral video on social media following an incident (or ‘inchident’) on track.
The infamous run-in happened during a round of the WSK season at Val d’Argenton in 2012, after Leclerc hit Verstappen and overtook him for the lead of the race. Verstappen retaliated with a robust move, causing Leclerc to drop down the order and “destroying” his race.
Leclerc recovered to second but during the slow-down lap, he returned the favour to Verstappen, bumping him off track and causing them both to be disqualified from the heat by the stewards.
Charles Leclerc compares Max Verstappen to other drivers
It’s not uncommon to see karting prodigies make it to F1. After all, the cream always rises to the top. But you do not often see drivers who were doing the same over a decade ago on the world stage.
Even though there is a backstory of hate between the two drivers, there is a mutual respect for both of their abilities. When asked about how he would describe Verstappen in an interview with Italian publication, La Stampa, Leclerc offered two words.
“Aggressive. He’s more of a type: if there’s room I’ll just go for it,” said the Monogasque.
Verstappen currently sits 56 points ahead of Leclerc going into the European rounds of the 2024 season.
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