Hamilton and Leclerc Clear Air After Monza Clash as Ferrari Holds Off on New Rules

Lewis Hamilton says Ferrari has not introduced formal rules of engagement for its drivers following his opening-lap clash with Charles Leclerc at the Italian Grand Prix. The Guardian reported that the teammates have since discussed the incident directly and consider the dispute settled ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.

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The flashpoint came at turn two at Monza, where Leclerc forced Hamilton wide on the opening lap. Hamilton regarded the move as unacceptable and afterward contrasted Ferrari's approach with the written rules he said had governed driver conduct during his years at Mercedes. He suggested Ferrari's lack of a similar framework was something the team should review.

Hamilton held talks with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur after the race, but confirmed in Madrid that no new agreement had been put in place. He said the short turnaround between grands prix meant the team had not had enough time to make changes, while leaving open the possibility that the subject could be addressed later.

Leclerc accepted responsibility for the Monza moment when speaking before the Madrid race weekend. He acknowledged that he had gone too far at turn two and said he had made that clear to Hamilton. The seven-time world champion described their private conversation as open and honest, and said the pair were able to move forward after addressing the issue face to face.

Hamilton also framed the exchange as evidence of a mature working relationship. He expects the Ferrari drivers to race closely again because of their similar pace and shared ambitions, but said both remain committed to helping the team. Their resolution avoids carrying an internal dispute into the first Formula One event at the new Madring circuit.

The conversation comes as Ferrari evaluates broader improvements after Monza. Hamilton has called for sharper operational and strategic execution, though he stressed that changing established processes and culture will take time. Kimi Antonelli won the Italian Grand Prix for Mercedes, while Hamilton sits third in the championship, 76 points behind the leader, a deficit he has conceded is unlikely to be recovered.