‘Nothing lingers’ – Hamilton opens up on ‘racing relationship’ with Leclerc after Monza clash

Lewis Hamilton has asserted that he shares “a good racing relationship” with Charles Leclerc after they came close to a disastrous collision at the beginning of the Italian Grand Prix, with the Briton praising Ferrari’s communication in the aftermath.

The pair started on the second row for the team’s home race at Monza, but any chance of a podium quickly disappeared as they went side-by-side at Turn 2 and Hamilton took to the gravel, subsequently tumbling down the order before Leclerc crashed not long after.

As he called on Ferrari to “change things” in terms of their approach to the drivers battling one another so they don’t end up “in jeopardy” again, Team Principal Fred Vasseur hinted that a discussion around rules of engagement was required.

Hamilton ultimately recovered to P6 and any tension around the incident seems to have been left in the past, with the focus quickly shifting to this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix at the brand-new Madring.

Reflecting on his bond with Leclerc, the 41-year-old said: “I think we've got a good racing relationship. I think the fact [is] that we are grown ups and are able to communicate with each other, which we have.

“I'm really happy that he's really healthy and he's back here this weekend because we need him in the fight to challenge Mercedes together. There is all this discussion about communication and execution and stuff, but the communication between John [Elkann, Executive Chairman] and Benedetto [Vigna, Chief Executive Officer] and Fred, and his drivers, are really great.

“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.”

The frustrating result at Monza sam Hamilton drop to 76 points behind standings leader Kimi Antonelli – roughly the equivalent of three Grand Prix victories.

But with 10 rounds remaining, there is still hope in the Ferrari camp that they can continue to take the fight to Mercedes and stay in contention for the championship, with Hamilton’s sights set on a record-breaking eighth drivers’ title.

“I'm still a believer that Ferrari has absolutely everything we need to win,” he concluded. “It takes everything coming together, naturally, to be able to achieve what we're trying to achieve.

“It's also difficult when you're fighting against the team just ahead on performance. I think we just have to continue. We've built a really good foundation with this first part of the year and we just have to continue to build on it. The team has worked incredibly hard to bring upgrades weekend in and weekend out.

“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. 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.”