Lewis Hamilton reportedly enjoys considerably more control over his Ferrari media commitments than Charles Leclerc, with a contractual provision allowing the seven-time world champion to decline interview requests if he chooses. The difference helps explain why the two Ferrari drivers had very different media workloads during the build-up to the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Monza is traditionally one of Ferrari’s busiest weekends away from the track as the drivers face intense demand from supporters, sponsors and the media. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc both appeared at Ferrari’s traditional Milan event on the Wednesday before the Grand Prix, meeting thousands of fans, but their obligations beyond that appearance were reportedly far from identical.
Lewis Hamilton reportedly has greater control over Ferrari interviews
According to Mundo Deportivo journalist Fabio Marchi, speaking on the Cortito y al Pie podcast, Hamilton’s Ferrari contract gives him the right to decide whether he wants to accept interview requests. Marchi explained that Leclerc does not have the same contractual freedom, despite having recently extended his agreement with the Maranello team on improved terms.
Ferrari therefore retains greater control over Leclerc’s media availability. Marchi pointed to the contrast during the Monza weekend, when the Monegasque spoke to dozens of media organisations while Hamilton’s exposure was much more limited, with the British driver carrying out only one interview with F1TV according to the journalist.
The difference is particularly relevant during an event as demanding as Ferrari’s home Grand Prix. A lighter media programme can give a driver more control over how time and energy are managed before practice, qualifying and the race, while Leclerc’s more extensive schedule makes him considerably more visible to the Italian team’s supporters.
The two drivers have remained under particularly intense scrutiny following their difficult weekend at Monza, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc subsequently clearing the air after their on-track disagreement.
Penni Thow plays a central role in Lewis Hamilton’s management
Marchi also highlighted the influence of Hamilton’s manager Penni Thow, explaining that requests involving the Ferrari driver have to pass through her. Thow has previously worked with globally recognised figures including Gordon Ramsay and Justin Bieber, experience that is particularly relevant when managing one of Formula 1’s most internationally prominent drivers.
From Hamilton’s perspective, greater control over media demands can be significant given the scale of interest surrounding him. His status as a seven-time Formula 1 world champion and one of the championship’s best-known personalities means interview requests can become a substantial part of any Grand Prix weekend, particularly at an event carrying the additional attention of his first seasons in Ferrari colours.
Leclerc’s position is different. While the Monegasque driver’s relationship with Ferrari has been established over several seasons, his reported contractual terms leave the Scuderia with more influence over when and how often he is made available to the media.
Charles Leclerc’s visibility remains important with the Tifosi
Marchi nevertheless believes Leclerc gains something from that heavier public presence. He suggested that maintaining regular communication with the Ferraristi matters to the 28-year-old because of the bond he has developed with Ferrari supporters since joining the team in 2019.
That connection became particularly relevant after the first-chicane incident between Leclerc and Hamilton at Monza. Marchi explained that he spoke to numerous Tifosi following the clash and found that the overwhelming majority of those he questioned supported Leclerc. In his assessment, the Monegasque’s longer history with the Scuderia and his status in the eyes of many supporters as Ferrari’s chosen driver played a major part in that reaction.
The level of public support adds another dimension to Ferrari’s increasingly delicate management of its two drivers. The Scuderia has already faced questions over how it should handle Hamilton and Leclerc competitively, with the potential impact of Ferrari team orders on Hamilton’s championship position becoming a significant talking point.
Monza clash adds to the Lewis Hamilton-Charles Leclerc debate
The contractual difference over media duties emerged against the backdrop of the pair’s first-lap confrontation at Monza. Hamilton accused Leclerc of forcing him off the circuit and into the gravel at the opening chicane, an incident that cost the British driver six positions.
Hamilton has also strongly suggested that Ferrari should consider prioritising him because of his advantage over his team-mate in the Drivers’ Championship. At the point referenced, that margin stood at 36 points, adding a competitive dimension to a relationship already attracting considerable attention.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has continued to manage the situation without establishing a permanent hierarchy between his drivers, while the wider debate over their treatment has intensified following Monza. The team has also faced calls for greater clarity over its approach, with Fred Vasseur placing responsibility on both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton after the Italian Grand Prix.
For now, however, the difference in their contracts appears to extend beyond what happens on the circuit. Hamilton reportedly has the ability to protect more of his race-weekend preparation from media demands, whereas Leclerc remains more directly subject to Ferrari’s decisions over interview availability. At Monza, that distinction was visible in the markedly different number of interviews completed by the two drivers, even as both faced enormous attention from the Tifosi.
The competitive significance of their relationship can also be viewed in the current Formula 1 driver standings.
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