Could Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri decide the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris? What the two are focusing on
Charles Leclerc admits that he does not see himself as an “arbiter” in the World Cup battle between Verstappen and Norris. In fact, Lando Norris no longer has the World Cup in his own hands, since Verstappen would always be satisfied with second places, but the Ferrari driver could possibly steal some points from the Dutchman if he finishes ahead of him.
And the Monegasque driver makes it clear that Ferrari is still pursuing the goal of collecting as many points as possible: “Our focus is on getting ourselves into the title fight,” says Leclerc. Ferrari still hopes to have a chance at the championship if they perform perfectly.
Currently, Max Verstappen is 52 points ahead of Lando Norris in the drivers’ championship, while Charles Leclerc is 86 points behind the leader. In the constructors’ championship, Ferrari is 75 points behind McLaren, although at least a second place ahead of Red Bull no longer seems unrealistic.
Leclerc emphasizes that he is less concerned with the struggles of the competition and is fully focused on his own performance: “It’s about our own fight. If there is an opportunity to win a race, I will take it.”
Oscar Piastri, on the other hand, sees himself in a slightly different role. The McLaren driver emphasizes that his main goal is to do his best in every race, while also helping his teammates. “If I can help Lando in the process, then that’s a bonus, of course,” explains Piastri, who is 94 points behind the championship lead himself. In the upcoming races, his own development is his main focus, as he will be driving many of the tracks for only the second time.
Piastri makes it clear that he wants to improve both his own performance and that of the team: “If the car is competitive, I want to win. If not, I want to finish as high up as possible.” The fact that his position could also help McLaren in the constructors’ battle in the end is an added bonus.
