Charles Leclerc 'on a similar level' to Max Verstappen in F1 title fight

Former Formula 1 driver Christian Klien has said that Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc are on ‘similar levels’ with the two already enjoying good battles for victory this season.

The 2022 season appears to have marked the beginning of a new rivalry in the sport, with Verstappen and Leclerc battling it out for victory.

Things have been hampered a bit by Verstappen’s reliability woes, of course, but it is clear when these two are together on the track we are in for great racing.

Indeed, Klien has been impressed with what we have seen so far from the two drivers and he feels that Leclerc, now he has a quick enough car to show it, is on a similar level of ability to the reigning world champion.

“Leclerc already showed what he can do against Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari at the beginning of his career,” Klien said on Servus TV.

“Okay, Carlos Sainz is also good. But now the car is good enough to win, Leclerc’s exceptional talent comes to the fore. It’s like Verstappen, he has that quality too.

“I think driving-wise, Leclerc is on a similar level as Verstappen. I’m thinking of the races in Bahrain or Jeddah. You can definitely see Charles is ripe to have a say in the title.

“Leclerc can now draw on his considerable lead in the World Championship standings. But there have been years in Formula 1 when big gaps have been closed.”

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