Charles Leclerc Says Ferrari’s Tensions With Lewis Hamilton Have Now Been Settled

Charles Leclerc says a discussion with Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur helped clear the air before the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver said the team needed to address lingering frustrations, but believes the issue has now been resolved. Speaking after Friday’s practice sessions at Interlagos, Leclerc described the Thursday meeting as useful. “Discussing whatever is left, or whatever frustration is left, was needed,” he said, adding that he now feels the matter is “fully settled.” He also suggested the team should avoid dwelling on it publicly going forward. Leclerc explained that his own week had been unusually busy for a positive reason: he had recently become a father for the first time. That, he said, meant there had not been much time to talk before the meeting. His comments offered a brief glimpse into how Ferrari handled the tension while preparing for a major race weekend. The wider Brazilian Grand Prix buildup has also featured a separate flashpoint involving Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll. During first practice, Verstappen was preparing for a launch after the chequered flag when Stroll appeared to pass his Red Bull. Verstappen questioned the Aston Martin driver’s move over team radio, while his race engineer replied that he had seen it too. The incidents added intrigue to a weekend that began with Lando Norris and Kimi Antonelli topping the first two practice sessions. Ferrari’s focus, however, appears to be on keeping its internal concerns behind it as the event continues at Interlagos.