Lewis Hamilton Addresses Ferrari Fans Amid On-Track Clash with Charles Leclerc at Monza
Lewis Hamilton has firmly dismissed concerns among Ferrari supporters following the intense on-track confrontation with Charles Leclerc during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
The seven-time world champion made it clear that the tension witnessed between the two drivers should not worry the tifosi, emphasizing his commitment to clean and respectful racing.
The drama unfolded under the spotlight of a packed Monza grandstand, where Hamilton and Leclerc started third and fourth on the grid respectively. Their battle ignited at the Rettifilo chicane, where slight contact forced Hamilton off the track and into the gravel, dropping him back to 10th place. This incident prompted a thorough investigation into fault for the clash.
Leclerc’s race ended abruptly after a severe 60g impact at the Parabolica corner, while Hamilton managed to finish sixth despite strategic decisions that saw Mercedes forgo a tyre change under a Virtual Safety Car (VSC). Hamilton had earlier voiced concerns about his deteriorating Pirelli tyres, which ultimately compromised his race pace.
In response to questions about his relationship with Leclerc and whether Ferrari fans should be worried, Hamilton stated, “I don’t race dirty. I’ve always raced clean and fairly, and always left space, so I don’t think they should be worried about me.” He added, “I’ve come into the team and tried to be respectful of space and definitely not put the team in jeopardy, and I stand by that. That’s all I can talk about on my side.”
Hamilton also pointed to the team leadership for decisions beyond his control, urging, “You have to speak to Fred [Vasseur, team principal] about the other side and decisions that we could have taken, but I’ll keep pushing and trying to get more from the team and from our car and from the engineers in design and everything like that.”
Despite the setback, Hamilton acknowledged the strength of the Mercedes power unit on the straights, describing it as “mind-blowing” compared to Ferrari’s performance. “On the straight, they were just pulling. We knew they were fast on the straight, but it was really mind-blowing just how quick they were – the Mercedes power. That thing just keeps pulling, pulling, pulling,” he said.
The race saw Mercedes secure a one-two finish led by Kimi Antonelli, with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri claiming fourth and fifth places. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, who had stunned the paddock by taking pole position, finished just three seconds behind Hamilton in seventh.
Reflecting on the clash with Leclerc, Hamilton described it as “very bad for the team” since it significantly compromised their race positions. “I then tried to reset, and I was in the fight, doing good. The grip felt good, and the car generally felt decent through the corners,” he explained.
Hamilton’s candid remarks aim to reassure Ferrari’s fervent fanbase that his rivalry with Leclerc remains professional and that he continues to push for team success without jeopardizing safety or respect on track.