Leclerc says Ferrari's intense scrutiny is overblown ahead of Azerbaijan GP
Charles Leclerc believes the media's intense focus on Ferrari's intra-team battles is unfair, pointing out that similar incidents occurred at other top teams during the Italian Grand Prix. He acknowledged that his own move at Turn 2 in Monza was too aggressive but said the situation has been overanalyzed. Leclerc spoke ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Leclerc made his remarks during Wednesday's FIA press conference in Baku, referencing the opening-lap clash at Monza where contact with Hamilton sent the seven-time champion down the order before Leclerc himself slid into the tire barrier and retired. He admitted his Turn 2 move went too far but argued that similar wheel-to-wheel fights occurred among three of the four leading teams that day, with only Ferrari drawing sustained scrutiny.
Having driven for Ferrari since 2019, Leclerc said he has grown accustomed to the team's every action being overanalyzed, and that conclusions drawn from such incidents are often wrong. He stressed that both he and Hamilton prioritize team success over individual battles. At Baku, he acknowledged strong qualifying history but no race wins, and noted the car's performance varies significantly depending on power unit optimization.
The persistent media focus on Ferrari's internal dynamics could shape how fans perceive team cohesion across the sport, potentially influencing sponsor interest and driver market decisions. Leclerc's pushback may encourage more balanced coverage of intra-team battles at other outfits, reducing unfair pressure on drivers. However, the Ferrari mystique remains a central narrative in F1, and this debate could continue to color public discussion of the championship fight.