Charles Leclerc has no intention of aiding the title contenders during the final race in Abu Dhabi. Both McLaren drivers and Max Verstappen are still in the running for the world title this weekend. The Dutchman is twelve points behind World Championship leader Lando Norris; if he wants to become champion, his British rival must not finish on the podium on Sunday. Verstappen cannot count on Leclerc’s support, although the Monegasque could play a key role.
Leclerc was a guest at the official FIA press conference on Thursday, along with Isack Hadjar and George Russell. There, he and Russell were asked a striking question. “If you play a significant role in the championship on Sunday, how will you approach it?” came the question from the room. “Do you want to be part of that battle, or avoid it?” Leclerc took the floor and made it clear that he does not want to get involved in the fight between Verstappen and McLaren.
‘I’m not interfering with the title’
“I’d rather just win the race,” Leclerc laughed. “I don’t really want to interfere with the championship. Whether I’m fighting for second, third or fourth place – or any position – I don’t care who’s behind me. I will always fight in the same way, simply because I want to get the most out of this final race for my team. I’m not thinking about the title fight; I just want to fully utilize the potential of my car.” Russell fully agreed. “The same applies to me,” the Brit responded briefly.
However, this attitude of Leclerc could play into Verstappen’s hands. The Dutchman needs to make up twelve points in Abu Dhabi. So, he will become champion if he wins the race and Norris does not finish higher than fourth place. If Verstappen takes the lead while Norris is behind Leclerc’s Ferrari, Verstappen can trust that the Monegasque will do everything to keep the McLaren behind him. The same applies to George Russell.
