Hamilton and Leclerc Maintain Strong Racing Relationship After Monza Clash
Lewis Hamilton has emphasized that he shares “a good racing relationship” with Charles Leclerc following a near-disastrous collision at the start of the Italian Grand Prix. The British driver also praised Ferrari’s communication in the aftermath of the incident.
Monza Incident Sees Both Drivers Lose Ground
The pair lined up on the second row for Ferrari’s home race at Monza, but any podium hopes evaporated quickly. Running side-by-side at Turn 2, Hamilton was forced onto the gravel and tumbled down the order, while Leclerc crashed out not long after. Hamilton subsequently called on Ferrari to “change things” regarding their approach to intra-team battles so they don’t end up “in jeopardy” again. Team Principal Fred Vasseur indicated that a discussion around rules of engagement would be necessary.
Tension Resolved as Focus Shifts to Spanish Grand Prix
Hamilton recovered to sixth place, and any lingering tension appears to have been put behind them as the team turns its attention to this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix at the brand-new Madring circuit. Reflecting on his bond with Leclerc, the 41-year-old said:
“I think we’ve got a good racing relationship. I think the fact [is] that we are grown ups and are able to communicate with each other, which we have.
“I’m really happy that he’s really healthy and he’s back here this weekend because we need him in the fight to challenge Mercedes together. There is all this discussion about communication and execution and stuff, but the communication between John [Elkann, Executive Chairman] and Benedetto [Vigna, Chief Executive Officer] and Fred, and his drivers, are really great.
“We all sit down and talk afterwards, squash it and move on so nothing lingers. We’re just looking forward to how we can work better together.”
Championship Gap and Remaining Opportunities
The frustrating result at Monza saw Hamilton drop to 76 points behind standings leader Kimi Antonelli — roughly the equivalent of three Grand Prix victories. With 10 rounds remaining, however, Ferrari remains hopeful of continuing the fight against Mercedes and staying in contention for the championship, with Hamilton targeting a record-breaking eighth drivers’ title.
Hamilton’s Belief in Ferrari’s Potential
“I’m still a believer that Ferrari has absolutely everything we need to win,” he concluded. “It takes everything coming together, naturally, to be able to achieve what we’re trying to achieve.
“It’s also difficult when you’re fighting against the team just ahead on performance. I think we just have to continue. We’ve built a really good foundation with this first part of the year and we just have to continue to build on it. The team has worked incredibly hard to bring upgrades weekend in and weekend out.
“We’ve just obviously taken a step with the engine, which is a real positive. I think it’s really important to just acknowledge that. I trust in everything that we’re doing, the steps we’re taking. Trusting Fred, and I really believe that we will get to where we’re going. Whether it’s next week, several weeks’ time or next year, we’ll just keep pushing.”
