Tension inside the Ferrari garage is simmering again. Lewis Hamilton has firmly rejected Charles Leclerc's account of their opening-lap clash at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, insisting he was ahead and there was no 'we' in the incident. The seven-time world champion's blunt response has added fuel to the paddock chatter.
The flashpoint occurred at the start when Hamilton and Leclerc, starting from the second row, battled wheel-to-wheel through the first chicane. Hamilton lunged down the inside at Turn 1, leaving room at Turn 2, but Leclerc squeezed him onto the kerbs and gravel. Leclerc claimed he tried to take a tighter line, but Hamilton saw it differently.
“I was ahead into Turn 2. At the apex, I was in front. So there was no 'we' in any of this,” Hamilton said, per FormulaPassion. The remark immediately sparked debate among fans, especially after both drivers had tried to project unity earlier in the weekend.
Hamilton, however, declined to escalate the blame game, saying: “I know what you are trying to do, but I don't want to argue or fight with my team. I'm doing my best to help the team achieve its goals. Today we didn't perform well, and it's already painful enough to have to tell my guys off.”
Instead, he shifted focus to the need for better communication and procedures within the squad, pointing to team principal Fred Vasseur. “It all starts from the top. Decisions cascade down, so it starts with Fred. Yesterday I said we need to examine our communication methods, because if we keep going down the same path, we'll get the same results. We have to change things so that we don't keep making the same mistakes,” he explained.
He confirmed plans to address the matter privately with the team in the coming days, likely after the next race. “They are receptive. We'll talk behind closed doors to figure out how to modify procedures,” Hamilton added.
The incident adds another chapter to the growing list of tense moments between Ferrari's star drivers. While no major damage was done on track, the visible friction could become an extra headache for Vasseur as he aims to keep his drivers harmonious for the constructors' title fight.
Read Also
Charles Leclerc blames media for pushing a Ferrari rivalry narrative after his clash with Lewis Hamilton at the Italian GP. Hamilton responds sharply.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli wins the 2026 Italian GP from P19, making history as the first Italian winner at Monza in 60 years. Ferrari falters, Leclerc crashes, and Russell concedes.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli's Monza win made front pages across Italy, boosting his title hopes. A historic victory that transcends sport.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!