Charles Leclerc delivers warning over Max Verstappen direction 'mistake'

Charles Leclerc has stated it would be a “mistake” to try and emulate how Max Verstappen has found success at Red Bull.

Leclerc has long been part of the Ferrari F1 squad but has been unable to seriously challenge for a title, winning nine grands prix across eight seasons.

In contrast, Verstappen has achieved four titles with Red Bull, with 71 race wins - the third most of any driver in F1 history.

The Dutchman confirmed ahead of his home grand prix this weekend that he will remain at Red Bull until the end of the 2030 campaign.

As Leclerc hunts for title success of his own, he denied that he will look to Verstappen's processes for inspiration.

“Max has obviously had an incredible career so far and has won four world championships,” Leclerc told media including RacingNews365. 

“I didn't yet, but I think every situation is different. It would be a mistake for me to follow the footsteps of what Max has done.

“Also because I have no idea what Max is doing inside the team in order to get this success. It would be purely trying and imagining what it takes.

“Rather than doing that, I prefer to focus on my own situation in the team, trying to focus on the process.”

Leclerc has won one grand prix this year, but has often found himself out-paced by team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

As Ferrari look to continue to challenge at the front of the field in the second half of the campaign, the Monegasque driver expressed confidence the team can continue to challenge at the front.

“We have a very clear view of where we are as a team and what we can do in order to improve, what our weaknesses are against Mercedes, particularly, who are the favourites at the moment, and where we need to work on,” he said.

“We've been working very well over the past few months to prepare for this new car. 

“We have had a strong first part of the year, but I also know what the plan is for the next few months and what is coming, and that makes me optimistic. 

“Clearly I'm focusing on what's inside the team, what I know, what I can control, and hopefully I can have a bit of the success that Max has had in recent years.”