Verstappen on both title fights: "I prefer this year".

Last year Verstappen found himself in a heated battle with Mercedes driver and seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton. The decision came at the last race of the year in Abu Dhabi. That race turned completely in Verstappen's favour in the last five laps. This year, Verstappen seems to be getting off a little easier with Charles Leclerc as his rival, but nothing is decided yet. After all, there are still ten races to go.

Verstappen prefers battle with Ferrari and Leclerc

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Dutchman compared his title fight last year to the current title fight which is still halfway over. Verstappen seems to have the same opinion as Dr. Helmut Marko.

"It is different because the cars are different. Many different things come into play. My preference is for what we have now. I know Charles very well. He is a nice guy, we have the same age with only three weeks difference. We are in a battle with a respected competitor, Ferrari."

The battle seems to be friendly and both teams can congratulate each other after a defeat. It is precisely this toxic atmosphere that prevailed between Red Bull and Mercedes last year that Marko commented on last week. Verstappen: "How they handle it; if they win, we can go to them and congratulate them. If we win, they can congratulate us. I respect that. We are tough competitors on the track and we will always want to beat each other, but apart from that we all get along. That's what I like about this year."