Charles Leclerc’s triumph at the 2024 United States Grand Prix marked one of the most dramatic moments in the 2024 Formula 1 season. With tensions running high as the championship entered its final stretch, Leclerc’s victory at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) not only reignited his title hopes but also elicited strong reactions from his fellow drivers, notably Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.
Max Verstappen: A Rival’s Respect
Max Verstappen, the reigning three-time world champion, was one of the first to congratulate Leclerc after the race. Despite being one of Leclerc’s fiercest competitors throughout the season, Verstappen showed a rare moment of admiration for his Ferrari rival.
Speaking to the media post-race, Verstappen said, “Charles did an incredible job today. He was quick in every phase of the race and made no mistakes. The Ferrari was very strong, especially on the straights, but Charles really got the maximum out of it. He deserves this win.”
Verstappen, who had been dominant throughout the 2024 season, knew that Leclerc’s win would tighten the title race. However, he seemed unphased by the prospect, showing the composure of a champion. “There are still races to go, and I’m confident in what we can achieve. It’s great for the fans when more drivers are in the mix for the title.”
Lando Norris: A Nod to Leclerc’s Consistency
Lando Norris, who finished on the podium alongside Leclerc and Verstappen, also had high praise for his fellow competitor. Norris, who had been one of the more consistent drivers in 2024, highlighted Leclerc’s mental strength throughout the weekend.
“Charles was on it from Friday. He was consistently fast and didn’t put a foot wrong. His pace in qualifying and race management was just spot on. Ferrari gave him a great car today, but it takes a driver to bring it home, and he did that perfectly,” said Norris.
Norris has long been seen as a future title contender, and his camaraderie with Leclerc has been well-documented. The two share a close relationship off the track, which made Norris’s praise feel all the more genuine. “We’ve all had our ups and downs this season, but Charles has shown time and again why he’s one of the best on the grid.”
The Bigger Picture: Leclerc’s Impact on the Title Race
Leclerc’s victory in Austin was his second of the season, and it came at a crucial moment as the championship race began to heat up. While Verstappen still maintained a lead in the standings, Leclerc’s win tightened the gap, making the final few races of the season all the more critical.
For Ferrari, it was a much-needed boost after a season of ups and downs. Team principal Frédéric Vasseur praised both Leclerc and the team for delivering a “perfect weekend.” Leclerc’s performance has re-energized Ferrari’s hopes of not only fighting for individual race victories but also making a last-ditch effort to challenge for the Constructors’ Championship.
As for Verstappen and Norris, both drivers remain key players in the 2024 season’s narrative. Verstappen’s consistent dominance and Norris’s reliability have made them fixtures at the top of the standings. Yet, with Leclerc’s resurgence, the title race is far from over.
Charles Leclerc’s win at the 2024 US Grand Prix has added a new layer of intrigue to an already thrilling F1 season. Max Verstappen’s respect for Leclerc’s performance, coupled with Lando Norris’s acknowledgment of his consistency, highlights the mutual admiration that exists among the sport’s top talents. As the season draws closer to its climax, Leclerc’s victory has set the stage for an exciting battle between three of Formula 1’s brightest stars. The 2024 championship is still very much alive, and all eyes will be on the upcoming races as these rivals continue their pursuit of glory.
