Leclerc Admits He Went “Too Far” in Monza Battle with Hamilton, Says Pair Have Cleared the Air
Charles Leclerc has acknowledged he overstepped the mark during his opening-lap clash with Lewis Hamilton at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix, confirming the Ferrari team-mates have since discussed the incident and moved on.
Opening-Chicane Contact Sends Hamilton onto Gravel
The pair ran side-by-side through the first chicane at Monza, but Leclerc attempted to hold the standard racing line exiting Turn 2. The move forced Hamilton onto the gravel on the outside of the corner, ending the Briton’s race prematurely.
In the immediate aftermath—following his own second-lap crash at Parabolica—Leclerc stated that “we went too far” in their battle at the opening corner. Hamilton firmly disagreed, countering that “there was no ‘we’ in it” and criticising Ferrari’s race communication and execution.
Leclerc Accepts Responsibility After Review
After reviewing footage with team principal Fred Vasseur and Hamilton himself, Leclerc accepted blame and sought to protect the intra-team relationship.
“I mean the rules of engagement, I think it’s kind of clear that we never want to see a car of the same team in the grass.
After reviewing, we spoke with Lewis, I obviously know I went too far in Turn 2 and I said it to Lewis and I think it’s very clear what we should do or should avoid going forward.
But I won’t go into much more details of what we said. 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.
Then of course, I mean I know we are driving for Ferrari and if there’s one race where you don’t want that to happen is in Monza and 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 team-mates and the only thing we end up speaking of is Lewis and I, which I don’t think is quite right.
“Not Acceptable” but Proportions Magnified at Ferrari
Leclerc was keen not to minimise the error while contextualising the media scrutiny.
“But 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.
I think 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.
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 so and that is very clear for Lewis and for myself.”
Asked by Motorsport.com whether the incident had been overblown—especially given his observation of “friction between other team-mates” (referencing Mercedes’ split pit strategies and on-track battle)—Leclerc agreed the “proportions” were larger for Ferrari.
“Again 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 mean, 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.
So surely, the proportions that it takes when when you are driving for Ferrari is much bigger and particularly if we’re in Monza. But that’s not to minimise what happens and yeah it’s not something that should happen again.”
Photo by: Andy Hone / LAT Images via Getty Images
