Charles Leclerc has finally addressed the opening-lap clash with his Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton at the Italian Grand Prix, admitting he "went too far" in the Turn 2 incident that sent Hamilton into the gravel. The Monaco driver's honesty comes after a tense few days that saw the team's home race overshadowed by internal friction.
The incident occurred as the two Ferraris ran side-by-side through the first chicane. Leclerc attempted to take the normal racing line on the exit of Turn 2, but left no room for Lewis Hamilton on the outside, forcing the Briton onto the gravel. Leclerc's own race then ended in the barriers at the Parabolica on lap two, compounding Ferrari's misery at Monza.
Immediately after the race, Leclerc had said "we went too far" in their battle, but Hamilton strongly disagreed. "There was no 'we' in it," Hamilton retorted, also criticising Ferrari's communication and race execution. That exchange sparked speculation about a rift within the team.
However, after reviewing the incident with team principal Fred Vasseur and Hamilton himself, Leclerc accepted responsibility. "The rules of engagement are clear: we never want to see a car of the same team in the grass," Leclerc said. "After reviewing, we spoke with Lewis, 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."
Leclerc declined to reveal details of their conversation but stressed that their relationship 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. That is the most important for me really," he said. He also acknowledged the heightened scrutiny of the incident at Ferrari's home race. "When these things happen at our home race, then it does a huge mess outside," he added.
Still, Leclerc felt the incident was somewhat overblown. He pointed out that friction between teammates also occurs elsewhere, yet only his clash with Hamilton became a talking point. "That doesn't mean we did everything perfect. I didn't in Turn 2 and for that I've been straight away very clear with Lewis after reviewing the images," he said. "The most important is that we clarified the situation, we talked, I told Lewis how I felt, Lewis told me what he felt and I think we fully agree with both of our views in hindsight when we speak without the emotions of the race."
Leclerc acknowledged that such incidents could happen again, given how often he and Hamilton start close together. "It happens. It's not the last time that will happen I'm sure, because it's the kind of things that happens in racing - particularly when we are starting so close to each other so often. But it's not a situation that we want to find ourselves in again and that is very clear for Lewis and for myself," he concluded.
Baca Juga
Charles Leclerc mengakui kesalahannya pada insiden Monza dengan Lewis Hamilton. Hubungan rekan setim Ferrari tetap kuat setelah diskusi terbuka.
Charles Leclerc mengakui kesalahannya dalam insiden kontak dengan Lewis Hamilton di GP Italia. Ia dan Hamilton telah berdamai dan hubungan mereka tetap baik.
Duel empat pembalap di final FREC Hockenheim: Olivieri pimpin klasemen, Wheldon, Nakamura-Berta, dan Al Dhaheri siap kejar gelar perdana.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!