Charles Leclerc reportedly confronted FIA race director over Verstappen avoiding penalty for Hamilton incident

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have officially joined forces as Ferrari teammates, with the Maranello team announcing the British driver’s arrival via their social media channels on New Year’s Day.

While the pressures of competition may eventually test their partnership, early indications suggest their relationship will be amicable. Since 2019, both drivers have competed in front-running cars but have rarely come into direct conflict. One standout moment came during the Qatar GP Sprint last November, where Leclerc overtook Hamilton for fifth place after an intense, skillful wheel-to-wheel duel spanning multiple corners. The battle underscored the mutual respect between the two drivers.

So far, their interactions have been warm and cordial. Beyond the racetrack, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton share common interests, such as music and fashion, which could help strengthen their bond. Ferrari’s internal dynamics also appear stable. Despite occasional tensions with the team, Carlos Sainz departed with the Monegasque’s best wishes, just as there were no lingering issues between Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel during their time as teammates.

Meanwhile, Hamilton received an emotional farewell from George Russell following their three-year stint together at Mercedes. Unlike the strained partnership with Nico Rosberg, Lewis Hamilton’s time with George Russell and Valtteri Bottas was marked by harmony, further reinforcing his ability to maintain positive teammate relationships.

Charles Leclerc Spearheaded Driver Protests Over Max Verstappen’s Controversial Move at 2021 Brazil GP

The 2025 Ferrari F1 drivers also seem to align on racing ethics and standards in Formula 1. This was evident following the contentious 2021 Sao Paulo GP, where Hamilton mounted a spectacular charge from 10th place to claim victory, narrowing Max Verstappen’s championship lead. However, the race wasn’t without drama. Verstappen aggressively defended his lead by forcing both cars off track during Hamilton’s attempted overtake into turn four—a move that sparked widespread outrage but went unpunished by the stewards.

According to F1 correspondent Andrew Benson, speaking on the *Chequered Flag* podcast in autumn 2024, Charles Leclerc led the chorus of disapproval from the drivers. Together with Carlos Sainz, the Monegasque was particularly outspoken about the lack of a penalty for Max Verstappen, voicing his concerns during the routine drivers’ meeting with FIA race director Michael Masi at the next race in Qatar. The incident highlighted Charles Leclerc’s commitment to ensuring fair play and underscored his shared values with the British driver regarding on-track standards. Andrew Benson explained that after the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix, all the drivers believed Max Verstappen should have received a penalty for his actions. He noted that during the following race in Qatar, a meeting took place where Charles Leclerc and his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz took the lead in expressing their views. According to the F1 correspondent, they made it clear that they felt the Dutchman’s move warranted a penalty.

Lewis Hamilton Could Have Secured Crucial Equality Clause in Ferrari Deal

As Lewis Hamilton steps into his new role at Ferrari, he joins a team that Charles Leclerc has firmly established as his own over six seasons. During that time, Leclerc has worked alongside two different teammates and proven himself to be the cornerstone of the Scuderia’s future.

Charles Leclerc’s rise at Ferrari was cemented when he outperformed four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, effectively ending the German driver’s tenure with the team. Ferrari’s management had already suspected that Vettel, despite his accolades, might not match Hamilton’s raw speed—a theory that was tested when the Monegasque emerged as the faster driver.

With Lewis Hamilton’s arrival, Ferrari now boasts two of the grid’s most formidable talents. However, unlike some team lineups, there is no indication of a preordained number one driver for the upcoming season. This balance is particularly significant given the competitive pedigree of both drivers.

One analyst has speculated that Lewis Hamilton, renowned for his attention to detail in contract negotiations, may have insisted on a specific clause guaranteeing equal treatment within the team. Such a clause would ensure that team principal Frederic Vasseur cannot impose team orders that favor one driver over the other, potentially setting the stage for a thrilling intra-team rivalry at Ferrari.