Formula 1: battle between Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc to rage on respectfully in Australia
- An era of new regulations has been characterised by hard but fair wheel-to-wheel racing
- The two leading drivers appear to be relishing the duel, which is friendly by comparison to last year’s heated affairs
The Formula One season already promises an epic title battle but so far things are being contested without the rancour which ended last year.
Two races into a new era of regulations, and while it is evident that Ferrari and Red Bull have started the strongest, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen seem to be relishing the duel.
It is currently one race apiece for Leclerc and Verstappen, but both the former’s win in Bahrain and the latter’s win in Saudi Arabia have been characterised by hard but fair wheel-to-wheel racing.
Coming into this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, Ferrari’s strength this season can be seen in the mere fact they have opened up a healthy 40-point buffer in the constructor’s championship after only two races.
Leclerc and Sainz are also first and second in the driver’s championship, with the Monegasque’s respective first and second place finishes coupled with bonus points for fastest lap in the opening two races.
Following a tightly contested race in Saudi Arabia, Leclerc and Verstappen were revelling in the opening battles for the championship.
“It wasn’t enough today, but my God, I really enjoyed that race,” Leclerc said. “Every race should be like this.”