The F1 star discussed the near-collision at the Italian Grand Prix and Ferrari's internal communication, expressing full confidence in the team's championship quest.
Lewis Hamilton has openly reflected on his dynamic with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, asserting they share "a good racing relationship" despite a tense moment at the recent Italian Grand Prix. The pair narrowly avoided a significant collision early in the race at Monza, an incident that prompted immediate internal discussions within the Scuderia.
Hamilton praised Ferrari’s prompt and effective communication following the near-miss, emphasizing how the team quickly addressed the situation to ensure it wouldn't linger. This proactive approach helped to defuse any potential tension between the two competitive drivers.
The seasoned F1 driver’s comments come as the focus now shifts to the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, according to reporting by Formula 1 (site oficial).
Hamilton and Leclerc's Post-Monza Dialogue
The incident occurred at Turn 2 during Ferrari's home race at Monza, with Hamilton and Leclerc going side-by-side. Hamilton was forced into the gravel, causing him to drop down the order, while Leclerc later crashed out of the race. Despite the on-track drama, Hamilton highlighted their mature approach to the situation.
"I think we've got a good racing relationship," Hamilton stated. "I think the fact is that we are grown ups and are able to communicate with each other, which we have." He also expressed relief that Leclerc was healthy and back for the Spanish Grand Prix, noting his importance in challenging Mercedes.
Hamilton also commended the communication across Ferrari's leadership, including Executive Chairman John Elkann, Chief Executive Officer Benedetto Vigna, and Team Principal Fred Vasseur, along with the drivers. "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," he explained.
Team Principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged the need for clearer guidelines, hinting that a discussion around "rules of engagement" was required to prevent similar incidents from putting drivers "in jeopardy" again.
Ferrari's Championship Ambitions Remain High
Despite the frustrating outcome at Monza, which saw Hamilton recover to P6, the British driver remains optimistic about Ferrari’s championship prospects. The result left Hamilton 76 points behind standings leader Kimi Antonelli, a deficit roughly equivalent to three Grand Prix victories.
With 10 rounds still remaining in the Formula 1 season, the Ferrari camp retains hope of closing the gap on Mercedes and challenging for the constructors' and drivers' titles. Hamilton himself is still pursuing a record-breaking eighth drivers’ championship.
"I'm still a believer that Ferrari has absolutely everything we need to win," Hamilton declared. He emphasized that success requires "everything coming together" and acknowledged the challenge of competing against a team with a performance edge.
Building for Success: Hamilton's Trust in Ferrari's Vision
Hamilton underscored the importance of continuous development, praising the team's efforts in bringing regular upgrades. "We've built a really good foundation with this first part of the year and we just have to continue to build on it," he remarked. The team has worked "incredibly hard" to introduce enhancements "weekend in and weekend out."
A significant positive noted by Hamilton was a recent step forward with the engine. He stated, "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."
Expressing full confidence in the team's direction, Hamilton affirmed, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at the Italian Grand Prix?
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc had a close call at Turn 2 of the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, with Hamilton taking to the gravel and Leclerc crashing later. They narrowly avoided a disastrous collision early in the race.
How did Lewis Hamilton describe his relationship with Charles Leclerc after the incident?
Lewis Hamilton described his relationship with Charles Leclerc as "a good racing relationship," highlighting their maturity and ability to communicate effectively to resolve issues and move forward.
What is Lewis Hamilton's current view on Ferrari's championship chances?
Despite a 76-point gap to standings leader Kimi Antonelli, Lewis Hamilton remains a "believer" that Ferrari has what it takes to win. He cites their strong foundation, continuous upgrades, and a positive step with the engine as reasons for his trust in the team's ultimate success.
What did Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur suggest after the Monza incident?
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur hinted that a discussion around "rules of engagement" for drivers battling on track was necessary to prevent future incidents and ensure their safety, following the close call between Hamilton and Leclerc.