Charles Leclerc admitted he went "too far" when battling Lewis Hamilton in the opening chicane of Formula 1's Italian Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver has since cleared the air with his teammate, ensuring their relationship remains strong.
The incident occurred as Leclerc and Hamilton were side by side through the opening chicane. Leclerc attempted to take the standard racing line on the exit of Turn 2, which forced Hamilton onto the gravel on the outside. In the immediate aftermath, Leclerc said "we went too far," but Hamilton disagreed, stating "there was no 'we' in it," and criticized Ferrari's communication and race execution.
After reviewing the incident with team principal Fred Vasseur and Hamilton himself, Leclerc seemed to accept responsibility and wanted to ensure it hadn't affected his relationship with his teammate. "The rules of engagement are clear: we never want to see a car of the same team in the grass. After reviewing, we spoke with Lewis, I know I went too far in Turn 2 and I told him that," Leclerc said. "I won't go into more details, but the important thing is that it did not affect the good relationship we have and it won't affect anything going forward."
Leclerc also acknowledged the heightened scrutiny given that the incident happened at Monza, Ferrari's home race. "I know we are driving for Ferrari and if there's one race where you don't want that to happen, it's Monza. When these things happen at our home race, it creates a huge mess outside. However, looking at the race from outside, there was also friction between other teammates, and the only thing we end up speaking about is Lewis and I, which I don't think is quite right," he added.
Nevertheless, Leclerc emphasized that it doesn't mean everything was perfect. "I didn't do everything right in Turn 2 and I was immediately clear with Lewis after reviewing the images. The most important thing 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."
The incident highlights the importance of driver management within a team, especially when two top drivers are fighting for position. Ferrari must ensure that internal competition does not harm the team overall, particularly at a high-pressure home race. With their relationship intact, Leclerc and Hamilton are expected to focus on car performance and compete healthily to help Ferrari achieve maximum results.
Going forward, both will aim to avoid similar situations. "It happens. It won't be the last time, I'm sure, because it's the kind of thing that happens in racing, especially when we start so close to each other so often. But it's not a situation we want to find ourselves in again, and that is very clear for Lewis and myself," Leclerc concluded.
Baca Juga
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.
Charles Leclerc mengakui kesalahannya di Tikungan 2 Monza saat bertarung dengan Lewis Hamilton. Hubungan mereka tetap baik setelah klarifikasi.
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!