Hamilton criticises Ferrari over ‘no rules’ after Charles Leclerc clash at Monza – Lewis Hamilton has criticised Ferrari’s approach to team-mate racing after his opening-lap clash with Charles Leclerc at the Italian Grand Prix, claiming the Scuderia needs clearer rules governing how its drivers compete against each other.
Hamilton started fourth at Monza and attempted to move past Leclerc at the opening chicane. The Ferrari pair ran side-by-side through the first sequence of corners, with Hamilton eventually forced onto the gravel and dropping several positions. Leclerc then crashed out on the following lap at Parabolica.
Hamilton recovered to finish sixth, leading Ferrari home in a disappointing result at its home race. Kimi Antonelli won from 19th on the grid for Mercedes, extending his championship lead to 66 points over George Russell and 76 over Hamilton.
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Hamilton calls for Ferrari to establish clearer rules
The clash quickly became one of the major talking points of Ferrari’s Monza weekend. Hamilton believes the team needs to establish clearer guidelines for how its drivers are allowed to race each other.
“I think it comes down to rules for internal competition,” said Hamilton. “When I was at Mercedes, we had written rules. It never really went very badly.”
“There were a few moments between Nico and me, but more often than not, it was fine. There are no rules here. We need to address that.”
Hamilton was referring to his former Mercedes rivalry with Nico Rosberg, with whom he fought for multiple championships during their time as team-mates.
The seven-time world champion’s frustration was heightened by the fact that the incident cost him several positions during the opening lap. He ultimately recovered to sixth after fighting with McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Rosberg puts blame on Leclerc
Opinions were divided over who was responsible for the incident.
Rosberg, speaking as a former team-mate of Hamilton, argued that Leclerc should have left more space for the Ferrari on the outside.
“The rules are clear: if the driver on the outside, in this case Lewis, is ahead at the apex or while turning in, the inside driver must leave room,” said Rosberg.
“Lewis was ahead, so Charles had to leave room. He didn’t, so it was 100 percent Charles’ fault and that is it,” concluded Rosberg.
Rosberg’s interpretation was not shared by Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle, who believed the stewards were correct to take no further action.
Brundle disagrees with Rosberg’s verdict
Brundle felt Leclerc had established sufficient position on the inside of the corner and therefore did not believe a penalty would have been justified.
“Leclerc was far enough ahead on the inside of the corner. I don’t think he would have received a penalty,” stated Brundle.
“Lewis dived to the inside for the first apex, fine, that is racing. Leclerc was far enough ahead and on the inside at the apex, which is another crucial element,” Brundle explained.
“Leclerc simply understeered wide. He turned in and the car didn’t bite, which is very normal on the first lap. I don’t believe he would have been penalized,” he added.
The stewards ultimately took no further action over the incident, while Leclerc’s own race ended dramatically moments later. The Ferrari driver lost control at Parabolica on lap two and crashed heavily, although he was able to walk away from the accident unharmed.
Ferrari faces questions after difficult Monza weekend
The incident added to a frustrating home weekend for Ferrari. Hamilton finished sixth, while Leclerc failed to score after his early retirement. The result left Hamilton 76 points behind Antonelli in the championship and further reduced his hopes of challenging for the 2026 title.
Hamilton also believes Ferrari must address its internal racing philosophy if it wants to avoid losing more points through incidents between its drivers.
Leclerc, meanwhile, acknowledged that the battle with Hamilton had been too close, saying it was “never what you want” to see between two team-mates.
With Ferrari now looking ahead to the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, the team faces pressure to turn its Monza disappointment into a stronger run of results — while also deciding exactly how much freedom Hamilton and Leclerc should have when they find themselves fighting on track.
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