Max Verstappen 'prefers' Formula 1 rivalry with Charles Leclerc to 2021 World Championship fight with Lewis Hamilton

Red Bull Racing driver and reigning Formula One World Drivers' Champion Max Verstappen admits he is enjoying his tussle with Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc this season more than the controversial battle with Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton in 2021. Verstappen currently holds a 63-point lead in the drivers' championship over second-placed Leclerc, while Hamilton is over 100 points back in sixth.

Ad/> Last season's title battle was tinged with bad feeling on both sides and threatened to boil over more than once. Hungarian Grand PrixVerstappen: 'It will be hard to beat' Ferrari in dry weather14 HOURS AGO For Verstappen, this year's edition is cleaner and more enjoyable, «I prefer what we have now because, first of all, Charles I know very well, he's a nice guy, we are a similar age — I think we are only three weeks apart.

I think also we are fighting a very well-respected competitor in terms of Ferrari. The way they go about the way we are fighting… when they win a race we can go to them and say well done, and when we win a race they can say well done, and I really respect that» The development of a personal relationship goes beyond the two drivers, with both teams also sharing positive feelings.

«On Saturday night, we even had a laugh in Paul Ricard, and I think that's great because that's what racing should be about. We are hard competitors on the track and we will always try to beat each other, which I think is very normal, but outside of it you can have a good time as well, and that's what I really enjoy about this year.

Let's say it like this, I would not be on a table on Saturday night having a laugh with (Mercedes). Just the click we have at the moment with the team, and I have a lot of respect for Ferrari in general.» The