27/07/2025 19:05
Charles Leclerc has revealed how he navigated a fine tightrope to
defeat Max Verstappen and earn the final podium place at the
Belgian Grand Prix. From third on the grid, Leclerc was able to
fend off Verstappen's challenge in the opening laps on the
intermediates, despite complaining of worn rubber. Both pitted for
the switch to medium slick tyres on the same lap, as Verstappen
hovered around 2.0-2.5s behind the Monegasque for a majority of the
race. However, Verstappen could not find a way past the Ferrari,
settling for fourth as Leclerc banked a fifth podium of the season,
and a third consecutive third-place finish at Spa, overcoming a
"10-15 centimetre" gap to do so. "Max was behind for the whole
race, within two seconds, so it is never easy, and the first part
of the race was the trickiest for us," Leclerc explained. "We
didn't have the downforce of the McLarens or that Max had as they
compromised qualifying a little bit, but it dried up pretty quickly
and the pace was good, but still, Max was behind for the whole
race. "Obviously the pressure is high, especially in these
conditions because as soon as you are 10-15 centimetres outside of
the right line, then it is wet and greasy and then you can lose the
line and make a big mistake. "So at one point, I told [engineer]
Bryan [Bozzi] to leave me alone, but he's just trying to give me
the most information, sometimes I need it, but today I did not." As
for Ferrari's upgrade, Leclerc was positive and wants to attack
McLaren, if this is possible for Ferrari. "We've had what we
expected with this upgrade, and that is really positive," he said.
"We need to keep learning, but it is a good first weekend, and I am
happy we are on the podium and hopefully, we'll put a bit more
pressure on the McLarens."
