Charles Leclerc "disappointed" but hails Max Verstappen battle claiming "every race should be like this"

Verstappen and Leclerc in Saudi — Photo: © LAT Images

Saudi Arabia Grand Prix

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Leclerc "disappointed" but hails Verstappen battle claiming "every race should be like this"

The Ferrari driver was just denied, but was thrilled with the intensity of the battle with the Dutchman in Jeddah

Paul Macdonald

Sunday 27 March 2022 21:15 Updated: 21:20

Charles Leclerc appeared exhilarated with his gripping battle with Max Verstappen in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and claimed: "every race should be like this".

After inheriting the lead from Sergio Perez during an early safety car period, Leclerc appeared comfortable at the front as he maintained a one-and-a-half second margin to Verstappen.

The battle came to life, however, in the closing 10 laps as the gap closed and the pair engaged in a thrilling fight to the finish as they passed and repassed each other with the use of DRS.

"It wasn't enough today, but my God, I really enjoyed that race," said Leclerc.

"It was hard racing but fair, and every race should be like this.

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"It was fun, I am of course disappointed, I wanted to win today. We had two very different configurations with Max, and Checo and the Ferraris."

Leclerc on Verstappen: The respect has always been there

After crossing the line at the end of the race, Leclerc praised Verstappen for his part in the battle.

"We were quite quick in the corners and quite slow in the straights because we put more downforce, so it was extremely difficult for me to cover Max in the straight, but he did a great job and it was a fun race," explained Leclerc.

"The respect has always been there, especially when you finish a race like this. We are on a street track, we've been pushing like I've rarely pushed before, to the absolute limit, and we took risks at the end, so of course there is respect.

"But I'm still a bit disappointed."