Leclerc reflects on 'immature' rivalry with Verstappen

Charles Leclerc has confirmed that relations between himself and Max Verstappen were strained as they rivalled each other in their younger racing years, but says any future battles between them will be played out to much more cordial backing.

Leclerc has secured two pole positions in his debut campaign for Ferrari, while Verstappen's victories in Austria and Germany have raised his profile even further.

The pair shape as great rivals for years to come and have previous in their karting career.

Previous on-track spats have been documented, and a widely shared video showing Verstappen taking umbrage with Leclerc for a sharp passing move raised a smile after their battle at the Austrian Grand Prix.

However, Leclerc says he can now separate Verstappen's feisty on-track stylings with his off-track self.

"We wouldn't even say goodbye to each other as kids because we confused the driver with the person, we were immature," Leclerc told Corriere della Sera.

"Now we don't mix the two, fortunately."

A thrilling fight in Spielberg which went Verstappen's way for victory at the last saw Leclerc agonisingly miss out on a maiden grand prix win for the second time in 2019, having seen a certain win in Bahrain slip through his fingers due to a mechanical fault.

"In Austria Max had more, and I struggled to keep up with him," Leclerc said.

"In Bahrain it was a bit difficult to accept, but in the end as I have been driving since I was three I immediately turned the page.

"In this sport you always push to the limit, it is normal that you can break something. You know this risk exists, otherwise you stay at home."

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