Charles Leclerc openly acknowledged that his conduct at the start of the Italian Grand Prix did not meet the standards expected of a teammate, stating, "I didn't behave the way I should have" when he and Lewis Hamilton, his fellow Ferrari driver, collided on the opening lap. The clash occurred at the exit of the first chicane, where Leclerc forced Hamilton wide, causing the seven‑time champion to lose six positions before clawing back to finish sixth at Ferrari's home race. In the days leading up to the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, both drivers sat down with senior Ferrari officials—including chairman John Elkann, chief executive Benedetto Vigna, and team principal Frederic Vasseur—to discuss the incident and to smooth over any lingering tension. Leclerc explained the importance of communication within a high‑pressure environment, noting that he has spent several years at Ferrari and understands how quickly emotions can flare when the whole operation feels like it is "on fire." He emphasized that, while some noise is inevitable, the level of scrutiny surrounding a Ferrari internal dispute can become disproportionate compared to similar incidents at other teams.
"We talked openly, face to face," Leclerc said. "I've always had a great relationship with Lewis and a lot of respect for him. I told him that in Turn 2 I didn't act like a proper teammate and that I let my motivation get the better of me.
When both drivers are highly motivated, it’s easy to overstep, and I crossed the line. We will adjust our approach so that it doesn't happen again." The conversation was part of a broader effort to restore harmony before the next race weekend.
Leclerc also addressed his own health after a serious crash at the final corner of Monza, which left him briefly disoriented. He underwent a series of medical checks and received treatment for neck strain, the area that absorbed most of the impact. "I felt a bit dizzy right after the accident, but by Monday afternoon I was already feeling much better," he reported. "The treatments have helped, and I am confident I will be 100 percent fit for the Spanish Grand Prix." Hamilton, who has a long history of on‑track battles with teammates such as Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg, and George Russell, described the Monza incident as the most high‑profile clash he has experienced since joining Ferrari.
He stressed that the two have already "squashed" the issue, allowing them to move forward without lingering resentment. "We sat down, just the two of us, and had an honest conversation. It showed maturity on both sides and reinforced the relationship we have built over time," Hamilton said.
He added that, given how closely matched their pace is, friction is inevitable, but it can be managed through clear communication and mutual respect. When asked about formalizing a set of "rules of engagement"—a practice Hamilton used at Mercedes—he clarified that such a framework was not discussed after Monza. Instead, both drivers agreed to focus on improving their performance for the upcoming race.
"I'm concentrating on having a better weekend this weekend," Hamilton explained. "We will revisit how to work together more effectively, but you can't overhaul everything in two days." The Spanish Grand Prix weekend schedule was also outlined in detail, highlighting the various support series and practice sessions.
On Friday, September 11, the day began with a Formula 3 practice session at 8:50 am, followed by Formula 2 practice at 10:00 am and the first Formula 1 practice at 12:30 pm. Qualifying for Formula 2 took place at 12:55 pm, and the team bosses' press conference was slated for 2:40 pm. Later that afternoon, a second Formula 1 practice session started at 4:00 pm, with Formula 3 qualifying at 5:20 pm and the F1 Show at 6:20 pm. Saturday, September 12, featured a Formula 3 sprint at 10:00 am, the third Formula 1 practice session at 11:30 am, and a Formula 2 sprint at 1:10 pm.
The build‑up to the Spanish Grand Prix qualifying began at 2:15 pm, with the qualifying itself taking place at 3:00 pm. The day concluded with the first Formula 3 feature race at 4:55 pm and a segment titled "Ted's Qualifying Notebook" at 6:00 pm. Sunday, September 13, started with the second Formula 3 feature race at 8:40 am, followed by the Formula 2 feature race at 10:20 am.
The Grand Prix build‑up aired at 12:30 pm, leading into the main event—the Spanish Grand Prix—at 2:00 pm. The race finished with the chequered flag at 4:00 pm, after which the post‑race reaction and another edition of "Ted's Notebook" were broadcast at 5:00 pm. The event was also available on Sky Sports Main Event.
Beyond the immediate drama, the Monza incident underscores the broader challenges of managing two world‑class drivers within a single team. Ferrari must balance the ambitions of a seasoned champion like Hamilton with the rising talent of Leclerc, ensuring that both feel supported while avoiding internal conflict that could compromise performance. The team's leadership appears committed to fostering open dialogue, as evidenced by the prompt meeting with Elkann, Vigna, and Vasseur.
Their goal is to keep the focus on extracting the maximum speed from the car rather than allowing personal grievances to distract from the ultimate objective: winning races and championships. Looking ahead to the Spanish Grand Prix at the newly built Madring circuit in Madrid, both drivers will aim to translate their reconciliations into on‑track results. Leclerc will be eager to prove his fitness and regain confidence after his crash, while Hamilton will look to capitalize on his experience and continue his pursuit of the 2026 title.
The upcoming race promises to be a critical test of their renewed teamwork and the effectiveness of Ferrari's internal communication strategies.