Charles LECLERC vs Max VERSTAPPEN
Did our AI pick the right driver?
Every prediction we publish ranks the full grid. For each round we take the driver we placed higher of these two, then check who actually finished higher.
A round is only scored when both drivers appear in the predicted order and both are classified in the result: a retirement is nobody's call. Published predictions are never edited afterwards.
The rivalry
Across seventeen shared race weekends, the head-to-head battle between Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen remains tightly contested. In full-length races, Verstappen leads Leclerc 9 to 4, whereas qualifying is deadlocked at 8 to 8. Leclerc controls the sprint head-to-head 5 to 1. In the standings, Verstappen leads for Red Bull Racing with 221 points, 2 wins, 9 podiums, and 3 DNFs, recording an average finish of 4.43 and an average qualifying position of 5. Ferrari's Leclerc sits close behind with 215 points, 1 win, 5 podiums, and 2 DNFs, alongside an average finish of 4.73 and an average qualifying result of 4.29. The matchup reflects contrasting technical strengths. Leclerc has capitalized on single-lap balance and sprint opportunities, but Red Bull's stronger tyre preservation and in-season aerodynamic packages have favored Verstappen on Sundays. This dynamic was demonstrated at the Singapore Grand Prix, where Verstappen converted pole position into victory directly ahead of a pursuing Leclerc in second.
Round by round
2026 seasonCommon questions
Who is faster in qualifying, Charles LECLERC or Max VERSTAPPEN?
Charles LECLERC and Max VERSTAPPEN are tied in qualifying head-to-head this season at 8–8, counting only sessions where both drivers set a time.
Who has finished ahead more often, Charles LECLERC or Max VERSTAPPEN?
Max VERSTAPPEN has finished ahead of Charles LECLERC 9–4 this season, counting only races where both drivers were classified.