LECLERC ADMITS HE SHOULD NOT HAVE ‘PUT LEWIS IN A DIFFICULT SITUATION’ IN MONZA LAP ONE CLASH

Charles Leclerc owned the Monza mess. The Ferrari driver admitted he squeezed teammate Lewis Hamilton into the gravel at the Rettifilo chicane on lap one, costing the seven-time champion six positions at Ferrari's home race. "I could have done a better job just slowing down the car and not putting Lewis in a difficult situation," Leclerc said.

Leclerc crashed out on lap two, turning a Ferrari showcase into damage control. Hamilton played diplomat, praising the team's handling. "We're grown-ups and are able to communicate," he said. Both confirmed they've cleared the air after sitting down with team principal Fred Vasseur and Ferrari's executive leadership.

The tension underscores the stakes of pairing two champions at Maranello. Ferrari needs both drivers healthy and fast to challenge Mercedes. Monza was ugly, but the real test is whether they can race cleanly when the points are on the line.