The 2023 Formula 1 season has been all about Max Verstappen. Yes, his on-track exploits have been front and center throughout the season, but one other thing that’s stood out this year has been the kindling (and rekindling) of Verstappen-related bromances. 2023 saw Maxiel (Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo) reunite. It’s also seen his bromance with Lando Norris blossom (sadly, this bromance ship doesn’t have an official name yet). But one bromance that’s become a fan-favorite is Lestappen—Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. And the Las Vegas GP gave Lestappen stans more content to obsess over!

From “No, he’s just unfair” and “Nothing. Just an inchident on the race” to lovingly being called Lestappen by the F1 community, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen have come a long way. They went from being rivals in karting to rivals in F1. But instead of “inchidents,” we get to witness “Maxplaining” and “Leclercifying.” And the two drivers’ fans are here for it. 

The most recent installment of Lestappen came on Media Day at the Las Vegas GP. The inaugural race is an unknown for drivers and teams. It’s a completely new, freshly made track. Considering it is November, temperatures are predicted to go down to as low as 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Red Bull has been great at maintaining tires this season, thanks to its low degradation rate. Ferrari, on the other hand, and as always, has had high tire degradation. While this may not work in Red Bull’s favor in Vegas, it may work for the Scuderia. That’s precisely what Verstappen and Leclerc discussed in a joint interview.

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What started as an only-Verstappen interview quickly became a Lestappen conversation, and fans couldn’t help but gush over their bromance on X.

Max Verstappen & Charles Leclerc are “insane” for their Las Vegas GP conversation

When Sky Sports was interviewing Verstappen, Leclerc was standing behind him. The interviewer asked if Leclerc would have a better shot at qualifying. The Dutchman replied, “I don’t know. You should ask him. What do you think? Charles, can you come in?” With Leclerc officially part of the interview, Sky asked him if Ferrari can nurse the tires in Vegas like Red Bull does everywhere else. Verstappen said, “It’s like we massage the tires,” to which Leclerc added, “You do massage the tires. But it’s cold here, so I don’t know if you’ll have to massage the tires. More aggressive. This is our strength. I think they still have the upper hand, for sure.”

After Leclerc explained why he thinks Ferrari would do well in Vegas, he asked Verstappen what he thought. He replied, “I don’t think too much.” That was a reference to when Leclerc said, “I don’t think anymore, I stopped thinking a long time ago,” about Ferrari’s fluctuating form. Needless to say, that caught fans’ attention.

Ever heard the mantra, ‘Live, Laugh, Love.’ Here’s a Leclerc and Verstappen-inspired take on it. 

“Live, Laugh, Love, Lestappen” indeed! Seeing how even F1 and their teams are obsessed with their friendship, how can everyone in the F1 community not feel the same?

The levels of obsession are “unhealthy!”

Their bond has really strengthened this season. It’s safe to say: 

While their interactions these days are nothing like the “just an incident” days, the conversation was still reminiscent of their time as juniors.

Isn’t it just “insane” how much they’ve grown over the past few years?

Are you a fan of Lestappen? Which is your favorite Max Verstappen bromance of the season? 

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