Charles Leclerc was once left ‘angry’ at Max Verstappen for late Austrian G… read more
Charles Leclerc is set to return to the Red Bull Ring in Austria, a venue etched into his memory for both its promise and heartbreak. The 2019 Austrian Grand Prix was meant to be the day Leclerc claimed his first-ever Formula 1 victory. Having dominated much of the race weekend in his Ferrari, including taking pole position in qualifying, the then-rookie Monegasque looked destined to win. However, a late, aggressive move by Max Verstappen ultimately denied him the triumph. That moment, still vivid in the minds of many F1 fans, left Leclerc visibly angry and frustrated — not just with the result, but with how it was taken from him in the final laps.
The race had started well for Leclerc, who led confidently from the start and managed his tyres and pace with maturity beyond his years. The Ferrari car was well-suited to the track, and Leclerc appeared in control, with the Red Bulls and Mercedes unable to mount any serious challenge through much of the race. Verstappen, however, had other plans. After a poor start that saw him drop several places, the Dutchman began a stunning comeback drive, slicing through the field with blistering pace and bold overtakes. By the closing stages, he had caught up to Leclerc and the two began a tense duel for the lead.
It was lap 69 of 71 when the defining moment occurred. Verstappen lunged down the inside of Leclerc at Turn 3, forcing the Ferrari wide. The move was hard and controversial, with Leclerc having to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Verstappen took the lead, and despite a brief investigation by the stewards, the move was ultimately deemed a racing incident. Leclerc was left to settle for second place, while Verstappen claimed a dramatic and emotional win for Red Bull on their home track.
In the immediate aftermath, Leclerc was understandably furious. He expressed his disappointment in post-race interviews, highlighting that he had left Verstappen room and felt the move lacked fairness. At the time, he was still learning the sometimes brutal nature of Formula 1 racing — especially when battling with someone as tenacious as Verstappen. While Verstappen celebrated, Leclerc was left pondering what could have been a career-defining first win, snatched away in the dying moments.
This incident became a turning point for both drivers. For Verstappen, it further cemented his reputation as an aggressive racer unafraid to take risks, even when the stakes were highest. For Leclerc, it was a harsh lesson in how fine the line is between winning and losing in F1. The frustration he felt in Austria would fuel him in the coming races and seasons, shaping the more hardened, race-savvy driver he is today.
As Leclerc prepares to return to the Styrian hills for another Austrian Grand Prix, the ghosts of 2019 will no doubt linger in the background. Though he has since become a multiple Grand Prix winner and a central figure in Ferrari’s revival, that particular race still stands out as one of the most painful near-misses of his career. With Ferrari showing competitive pace this season and Leclerc entering the weekend with renewed confidence, a chance for redemption could be on the horizon.
This return to Spielberg isn’t just another race for Leclerc — it’s an opportunity to rewrite a personal chapter that once ended in frustration. And as fate would have it, Verstappen is still the man to beat. Whether history repeats itself or Leclerc finally conquers the Red Bull Ring remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: emotions will run high, and the fight at the front will be fierce.
