Charles Leclerc has spoken out about his wheel-banging incident with Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix in Monza. The Monegasque driver feels the media spotlight on the clash was overblown compared to friction between other teammates.
The incident occurred on the opening lap when Hamilton attempted to pass Leclerc at Turn 1. Leclerc closed the door at Turn 2, sending Hamilton into the gravel. Hamilton complained on the radio that Leclerc pushed him off. This was the first real flashpoint between the two since being paired at Ferrari last season.
Speaking to media including Motorsport Week in Madrid, Leclerc admitted his mistake. "I obviously know I went too far in Turn 2 and I said it to Lewis. I think it's very clear what we should do or avoid going forward. But I won't go into much more details than what we've said," he said.
Leclerc emphasised that his good relationship with Hamilton remains intact. "The only thing I can say is that it definitely did not affect the good relationship that we have and it will not affect anything going forward. And that is the most important for me, really," he added.
He also pointed out that friction between teammates also occurred at other teams, namely McLaren and Mercedes. "I know we are driving for Ferrari and if there's one race where you don't want that to happen is in Monza. When these things happen at our home race, then it does a huge mess outside. However, looking at the race from outside, there's been also some friction between other teammates. And the only thing we end up speaking of is Lewis and I, which I don't think is quite right," Leclerc explained.
When asked if he thinks the incident was blown out of proportion, Leclerc felt the media attention on Ferrari was much bigger. "I need to be careful with that because surely it's not to minimise the way that this unfolded. And as I said, it's not acceptable to see Lewis going in the gravel. But for sure, the proportions, as a matter of fact, are much bigger on our side compared to the two other teams that have had some. I didn't follow the whole race, but the two other teams I saw that were fighting at the top, there wasn't as much noise around it," he stated.
The Monza incident serves as a mental test for Leclerc and Hamilton. Nevertheless, Leclerc remains focused on the team's performance. He hopes such incidents won't recur, especially at Ferrari's home race. With a long season ahead, their chemistry will continue to be tested on track.
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