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Ferrari versus Red Bull has the hallmarks of a classic clash of styles. The Ferrari F1-75 is all about corner speed and generating downforce. The Red Bull RB18 features slippery aerodynamics that allow it to punch through the air with maximum efficiency. This gives Red Bull a top speed advantage that even with the Drag Reduction System (DRS), used to give a car behind a top speed advantage, Ferrari couldn’t compete at the recent Miami Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc versus Max Verstappen is a clash of two of the most exciting young talents in world sport. Verstappen is already a World Champion and has the success that Leclerc craves. They’ve been rivals, and friends, since a childhood racing against one another in karting. Now they are proving themselves on the biggest stage. It’s a battle to savour. At the moment, after five Grand Prix, Leclerc holds a 19 point advantage but the momentum is behind his rival.

After claiming his 12th career pole position Leclerc was satisfied with his lap but felt that there was still areas to improve upon. He knew going into the race though that keeping Verstappen behind would be a real challenge. He felt that over the course of 57 laps the top speed advantage for Red Bull would be tough to contend with. He would be proven correct.

Ultimately during the race Leclerc tried to use the strengths of his Ferrari and pushed hard in the flowing sections to open a gap to Verstappen. This would lead to him overusing his tyres and Verstappen capitalising with a move at Turn 1 that Leclerc couldn’t defend against. That was the difference between winning and losing this Grand Prix.

“All in all, we had a good weekend here in Miami,” assessed Leclerc. “Of course I am disappointed to miss out on first place. While we had good pace on the hard tyres, it was trickier for us on the Mediums which our competitors were just faster on today, so we couldn't close the gap in the first stint. I thought we'd have a shot at taking back the lead after the Safety Car, but it just wasn't enough today. I thought the atmosphere was amazing this weekend and there was a really great show around the race and I look forward to coming back!”

Catch Leclerc LIVE at the Spanish Grand Prix on channel 309, ESPN Extra on Digicel +

 

 

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