Leclerc, Hamilton clear the air after Monza clash

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton say they've cleared the air over their clash at Monza ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

The two Ferrari drivers fought through the opening chicane at the start of the Italian Grand Prix, with Hamilton on the inside of Turn 1 before feeling he was forced off track by Leclerc at Turn 2. Leclerc says he took responsibility for the role he played, and that the discussions had been productive between the pair. 

“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,” Leclerc said. “So 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 detail then of what we've 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 know we are driving for Ferrari, and if there's one race where you don't want that to happen it's in Monza, and when these things happen at our home race, then it [creates] a huge mess outside. However, looking at the race from the outside, there's also been some friction between other teammates, and the only thing we end up speaking about is Lewis and I, which I don't think is quite right.

“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.”

Asked for his thoughts about the first corner when Hamilton was trying to get down the inside, Leclerc declined to go into further details, arguing that it wouldn’t reflect the fact the drivers had moved on.

“I don't want to talk about it because it feels then – and I know it's not a bad intention from you guys, but then in written [words] everything sounds like we are just going back and forth with Lewis, which is not the case.

“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.

“So 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 surely it's not a situation that we want to find ourselves in again, and that is very clear for Lewis and for myself.”

Hamilton agreed with Leclerc’s assessment, having held talks with team principal Fred Vasseur as well as his teammate after the race.

“It's been really positive,” Hamilton said. “I spoke to Fred on Monday and we just had a clear discussion. Naturally we're going to always have different opinions, but at the end of the day we come together and we find a way forward.

“I think that's the positives of where we've got to over the past 15 months or whatever it is. We've got to a place where we have really great communication internally, and same with me and Charles.

“I think what's great is that there was no shying away from having a discussion. We sat face to face, just him and I, and talked about it and we were just both open and honest. We squashed it, and we can move on. I think that shows the maturity from him, and I think it's healthy.

“It's a relationship we have built over time. Of course, there's going to be frustrations and I'm sure there'll be more times where we're close because we're very close in pace. We both want to win just as much as each other and we both want to do well for the team as well. But I think it's a real positive.”