Former racing driver Vicky Piria has criticised Lewis Hamilton’s handling of the tensions with Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc, suggesting that his decision to revisit the controversy publicly could be interpreted as a lack of respect. Speaking to Sky Sport F1, she questioned the tone of the seven-time world champion’s comments and argued that both drivers should be focusing on ambitions far greater than their current positions in the Formula 1 championship.
The criticism comes amid the ongoing debate surrounding Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s relationship at Ferrari, which intensified following the Mexican Grand Prix. Vicky Piria believes that while emotional reactions immediately after a race are understandable, continuing the public discussion several days later was excessive.
Vicky Piria questions Lewis Hamilton’s respect towards Charles Leclerc
Speaking to Sky Sport F1, the former racing driver expressed particular concern about Lewis Hamilton returning to the subject before having the opportunity to discuss the situation directly with Charles Leclerc and Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur.
“We all know that comments made immediately after getting out of the car, when emotions are still running high, can be amplified by how someone is feeling in that moment. What I found a little excessive was bringing the subject up again yesterday, especially considering that there had not yet been an opportunity to speak directly with Charles and Fred.
“I think this attitude could also be interpreted as a lack of respect. The communication seemed excessive to me, because we’re talking about two drivers who have major ambitions and significant responsibilities within Ferrari.
Both Ferrari drivers have ambitions beyond their current championship positions
Vicky Piria also stressed that Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc share the same fundamental ambition: winning and achieving significant results with Ferrari. In her view, their current positions in the championship do not justify the intensity of the tensions surrounding their relationship.
“Both want to win and achieve much more significant goals, but at the moment they’re not really fighting for anything that justifies tensions of this kind. We’re talking about second, third or fourth place in the standings, results that neither of them can be satisfied with, because both can and should aim for much more.
“That’s why I believe certain situations should be handled with greater balance, without further fuelling a controversy that risks becoming disproportionate to what is actually at stake.”
Her assessment adds another perspective to the questions surrounding Ferrari’s management of its two drivers. Rather than disputing their individual ambitions, Vicky Piria’s criticism centres on how disagreements are communicated publicly and whether the attention they generate is proportionate to the championship positions currently being contested.
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