Charles Leclerc delivered a sharp response to Lewis Hamilton after the British driver claimed he was the rightful winner of the recent Italian Grand Prix. Hamilton, who finished fifth, expressed frustration, stating that he deserved the win more than Leclerc, who claimed the victory for Ferrari.
When asked about Hamilton’s remarks during an interview, Leclerc responded with a biting retort: “If he thinks he deserved it, then maybe he should’ve driven faster. Winning isn’t about deserving, it’s about delivering.”
Leclerc’s response came after Hamilton had commented that Ferrari’s upgrades and strategy gave them an advantage at Monza, implying that his Mercedes lacked the necessary pace to compete. However, Leclerc was quick to dismiss any notion that his victory was merely the result of technical upgrades.
“Winning at Monza, especially for Ferrari, is about more than just the car. It’s about pushing to the limit, seizing opportunities, and staying sharp under pressure. Maybe Lewis should focus on improving his race rather than making excuses,” Leclerc added.
The Italian Grand Prix saw Ferrari take a bold strategic gamble, keeping Leclerc on a one-stop strategy while McLaren and Mercedes opted for two. The decision paid off as Leclerc managed to hold off the competition and secure a significant win for Ferrari in front of their home crowd.
Hamilton’s assertion that he deserved the victory stirred emotions, but Leclerc’s sharp response made it clear that, in his view, the race was won fair and square. As the season continues, tensions between the two drivers are bound to rise, with both pushing for supremacy on the track.