Going into the season finale, Charles Leclerc is trailing Max Verstappen by 46 points. The Dutchman sealed the 2022 title with 4 races to spare. Leclerc and Ferrari were potentially up for a full-year battle with Verstappen and Red Bull. Although it just did not pan out the way they expected it. Leclerc recently discussed his 2022 title battle with a Verstappen fan in a club restaurant!
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Verstappen fan was poking Charles Leclerc by constantly bringing up how he and Ferrari fell short against Max Verstappen and Red Bull. The fan asked Leclerc what his vision was (for the next season perhaps).
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
To this, Charles replied, “We need to finish in front. But Red Bull is a strong team. Especially in the second part of the [2022] season, they managed to bring upgrades and they are strong. They have got a very very good pace in the car. So, it’s gonna be difficult. But it’s possible [to beat Red Bull and Verstappen].”
Formula One F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium – August 27, 2022 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc before qualifying REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
Further on, a man who accompanied Leclerc confidently spoke that they can win the championship in 2023. He said, “Most Important: We [Leclerc and Ferrari] are winning the Championship next year [2023].” On this Leclerc affirmed it, saying, “Exactly!”
DIVE DEEPER
The drunk fan kept probing Leclerc. And the Monegasque just smirked and continued to eat his food. It has been a really frustrating year for Leclerc and Ferrari in the championship. Leclerc’s reaction just reflected the same.
Fan Reactions to Charles Leclerc footage Arguing with the Verstappen fan
Here are some of the social media reactions from F1 fans upon watching this footage of Charles Leclerc with the Verstappen fan.
His patience while trying to eat his food is admirable 
— AnythingF1 (@AnythingF1_) November 16, 2022
Let the man eat in peace
— Yana 
– Final raceweek 
(@yanasformula1) November 16, 2022
poor charles, he just wants to eat, he doesn’t seem really comfortable there
— ya °°|| GEORGE F1WINNER!!!! (@predestinato_ju) November 16, 2022
He isn’t just a crazy “fan” bothering Leclerc at dinner he is a multi millionaire and a sponsor of both Verstappens. Which in some ways is better and in others much worse. pic.twitter.com/GRSwPmcIUD
— Gelatinous_Cube_Shots (@JellyCubeShot) November 16, 2022
Ye Gods! That voice is like nails on a chalkboard!
Charles is a class act!
— Bev (@oodlesofpaper) November 16, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Ferrari had a dream start to the 2022 season with its F1-75 challenger (their 2022 car). Charles Leclerc won 2 of the first 3 races and had a commanding lead over his chief rival Max Verstappen.
And then the title challenge started falling apart, as Leclerc suffered from multiple DNFs in Spain, Azerbaijan, and France. Meanwhile, Verstappen and Red Bull charged back to take the lead in both the driver’s and constructor’s standings.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: Not Charles Leclerc or Max Verstappen, Red Bull chief picks this F1 driver as the Surprise of the Year
Going into 2023, Leclerc is determined to make amendments and get back into title contention. He will hope for Ferrari to back him and enable him to fight Verstappen for the championship. What do you think? Can Leclerc and Ferrari challenge for the 2023 title?
