From then on, however, it took Verstappen until the United States Grand Prix to notch his next victory. That’s currently pencilled in for October 23 this year, although it remains to be seen whether the Red Bull star can extend the advantage over his rivals in Italy, Russia, Singapore or Japan before that.
Leclerc has also been superb this year and is poised to go closer to the title than he has ever been before, but persistent issues with his Ferrari may end up costing him and team-mate Carlos Sainz too many points. The gulf in class and consistency is currently clear with Verstappen boasting seven wins for the season to Leclerc’s three, and nine podiums to Leclerc’s five.
Nevertheless, he expressed sympathy for his rival at Circuit Paul Ricard where the Ferrari ace looked to be mounting a meaningful challenge for victory.
