Hamilton calls for written rules at Ferrari following Monza collision with Leclerc

Opening lap collision at Monza

Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton shared the second row of the grid at Monza, starting third and fourth before a weekend crowd of 403,666 spectators. Hamilton attempted an inside overtake into Turn 1, resulting in light contact between the two Ferrari SF-26 cars. The move pushed Hamilton wide at Turn 2, forcing him into the gravel and down to tenth place. Hamilton voiced his frustration over team radio, stating his teammate had pushed him off the circuit. Stewards reviewed the clash and opted against issuing penalties. On the following lap, Leclerc lost control at Curva Alboreto and struck the barrier, triggering a red flag for repairs and ending his race.

Disagreement over on-track engagement

Hamilton recovered to finish sixth but rejected Leclerc's suggestion that both drivers were at fault. Leclerc acknowledged the battle had gone too far, while Hamilton maintained that he was ahead at the apex and gave racing room. Nico Rosberg backed Hamilton during television commentary, assigning full responsibility to Leclerc. Hamilton contrasted Ferrari's lack of internal directives with his former team Mercedes, where clear guidelines governed intra-team duels.

Hamilton called for formal rules to prevent similar incidents in future races.

When I was at Mercedes we had written rules of engagement. And we never really had it too bad. There was a moment maybe with me and Nico (Rosberg) a couple of times. But more often than not it was good. Here there are no rules. And I think that's something that needs to probably change.

Championship standings and points deficit

The sixth-place finish damaged Hamilton's bid for an eighth world title. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the race despite starting 19th due to a grid penalty. Hamilton arrived in Monza 59 points behind Antonelli and tied with George Russell in second, but left 76 points adrift with 10 races remaining. Hamilton increased his lead over Leclerc from 28 points to 36 points after Leclerc's retirement. Ferrari remains second in the constructors' championship behind Mercedes. Hamilton noted after the race that introducing team orders now comes weeks too late.

Team leadership reviews internal orders

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur defended his earlier reluctance to impose team orders before Monza. Vasseur noted that McLaren would have conceded the previous title to Max Verstappen had they prioritized Oscar Piastri over Lando Norris. Hamilton placed responsibility on management, stating decisions must come from Vasseur. Vasseur confirmed he would speak with both drivers before the next round in Madrid.

Vasseur explained his reluctance to freeze positions earlier in the campaign.

At one stage you have to take a decision, but it was too early to take a decision before Monza. Every single team principal in the world would love to let them race. To freeze positions is not an easy call. Now I will have time to discuss it with the drivers.

Leclerc dismissed claims of poor collaboration, saying external commentary had magnified tensions since Zandvoort.