Charles Leclerc Ready to ‘Play with the Rules’ and Fight Max Verstappen

As the 2025 Formula 1 season looms, Charles Leclerc is preparing to adopt a bold new strategy. After witnessing Max Verstappen’s controversial handling of the rules in the 2024 season, Leclerc is determined to fight fire with fire in 2025, promising a more aggressive, rule-bending approach in his battle with Verstappen and the rest of the grid.

Verstappen’s Dominance and the Rule-Bending Approach

Max Verstappen’s 2024 season was one for the books, with the Dutchman securing his fourth consecutive World Championship. However, his path to victory wasn’t always straightforward. Notably, Verstappen’s controversial moves during the Mexican Grand Prix—including two 10-second penalties for pushing Lando Norris off the track and gaining an advantage by leaving the track—sparked intense debate. Verstappen later admitted that he was willing to “cross a line” to secure the win, a mentality that many believe sets him apart from the competition.

Charles Leclerc’s New Strategy for F1 2025

Leclerc, who finished 2024 with Ferrari in a strong position, revealed that he is ready to follow in Verstappen’s footsteps and “play with the rules” in 2025. Speaking to RN365, the Ferrari driver acknowledged Verstappen’s ability to adapt to high-pressure situations, particularly towards the end of the 2024 season when McLaren’s Lando Norris emerged as a serious contender. Leclerc feels confident that he too can make those critical moves when the stakes are high.

“You’ve got to pick your battles and I feel like Max knows how to adapt to different situations,” Leclerc said. “And we’ve seen it [in 2024]. There were moments where he was not aggressive, but when the end of the season arrived, you could see him play with the rules a lot more. I feel like I’ve got that in me. When big things are at stake, I’ll go for it.”

Leclerc, known for his calculated racing style, emphasized that he’s not afraid to take risks when necessary, especially when fighting against Verstappen, whom he has a long history of racing against.

Ferrari’s Ambitious 2025 Title Bid

Heading into 2025, Ferrari has strong ambitions of securing the Constructors’ Championship after finishing as runners-up to McLaren in 2024. The addition of seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton to the team alongside Leclerc only bolsters Ferrari’s chances, with many anticipating an exciting rivalry between the two teammates.

For Leclerc, the presence of Hamilton could also push him to new heights, as he prepares for a season where Verstappen’s dominance may no longer be so overwhelming. “By the time we were competitive in 2024, Lando was in between, so Verstappen never really saw us as a direct competitor,” Leclerc reflected. But in 2025, the landscape is set to shift, with Ferrari aiming to close the gap and challenge Verstappen more directly.

Martin Brundle Predicts an Exciting 2025 Season

Formula 1 pundit Martin Brundle has predicted that 2025 could be one of the most thrilling seasons in the sport’s history. In a Reddit AMA, Brundle suggested that the cars will converge, the drivers will be at their peak, and the racing will be as intense as ever. With Verstappen’s breathing space in 2024 shrinking, Brundle believes 2025 could offer some of the closest and most unpredictable racing in recent years.

“The cars are converging, we’ve got some brilliant drivers on the grid, and it’s going to be oh-so close,” Brundle stated. “Max obviously started 2024 with a lot of victories that gave him breathing space, but the racing is good, and I see even more of the same in 2025!”

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Leclerc and F1 Rivalries

As Charles Leclerc gears up for the 2025 season, his commitment to fighting Verstappen with a more daring approach signals a new chapter in F1’s ongoing rivalry. With Ferrari pushing for the title and Leclerc ready to embrace the same bold tactics that Verstappen used to dominate 2024, fans can expect an unforgettable season of racing.

Stay tuned for more F1 updates as we head into what could be one of the most exciting seasons yet. Will Leclerc’s willingness to “play with the rules” be enough to dethrone Verstappen? Only time will tell.