Just In: Ferrari Confirm Hamilton and Leclerc Peace Talks as Key Figure Leaves Maranello following…read more

Ferrari have moved quickly to address tensions surrounding Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following a difficult Dutch Grand Prix weekend, with team principal Fred Vasseur confirming that he held clear-the-air discussions with both drivers ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

The situation has attracted significant attention after Ferrari’s strategy decisions at Zandvoort left both Hamilton and Leclerc frustrated. Hamilton, who was running on a different tyre strategy, found himself behind his team-mate during a crucial phase of the race, while Leclerc had been instructed by the team to remain on track.

Leclerc later explained that he had not received an instruction to move aside for Hamilton, despite the seven-time world champion closing in on fresher tyres. Hamilton ultimately finished fourth, with Leclerc crossing the line fifth. The incident added to growing questions about Ferrari’s ability to manage two highly competitive drivers within the same team.

Vasseur has now confirmed that Ferrari took the opportunity to speak directly with both drivers. The purpose of the discussions was understood to be restoring clarity and ensuring that disagreements do not damage the team’s progress during a crucial stage of the season.

Ferrari’s situation is particularly significant because Hamilton and Leclerc remain central to the team’s long-term plans. Leclerc has committed his future to Maranello with a new contract, while Hamilton continues his pursuit of success with Ferrari after making the high-profile move from Mercedes.

The latest development comes as Formula 1 heads to Monza, where Ferrari will face enormous expectations from its home supporters. The Italian Grand Prix is traditionally one of the biggest events on Ferrari’s calendar, meaning any internal tension could quickly become a major talking point.

Adding another layer to the story, a key Ferrari figure is also leaving Maranello. Performance engineer Riccardo Corte, who has worked with Ferrari for more than a decade and has been involved with both Leclerc and Hamilton, is departing the team for a new project. Corte played a role in Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari after joining the seven-time champion’s engineering group.

His departure represents another significant change behind the scenes as Ferrari attempts to build a stronger operation around its two star drivers.

For now, Vasseur’s intervention appears designed to ensure Hamilton and Leclerc remain united. With Monza approaching, Ferrari will hope the peace talks can put the Zandvoort controversy behind them and allow the focus to return to what matters most: delivering results on track.