Lewis Hamilton has stressed he has “zero issue” with Charles Leclerc, in the wake of their close scrap at Formula 1’s Italian Grand Prix.
Leclerc defended his lead on the run to the second chicane on lap 23, during which the pair made the slightest of contact, with Hamilton opting to take to the run-off.
Post-race Hamilton stated that only the thought of the points needed for the title race prevented him from making significant contact with his opponent.
Another flashpoint occurred on lap 36 when Leclerc went off at the first chicane, providing Hamilton with an opportunity through Curva Grande; Leclerc’s defending provoked Hamilton to radio Mercedes and claim it was a “dangerous” manoeuvre.
But post-race Hamilton insisted that he had no cause for concern over Leclerc’s approach, labelling the Monza victor as one of Formula 1’s cleanest racers.
“There is zero issue with us and I think he did an exceptional job and I don’t have any problems with it,” said Hamilton.
“I haven’t spoken to anyone or him but if we have a moment together we might chat for a second.
“Just to reverse roles and make sure he is cool if he is in that position when that happens. If he’s cool with that then that’s how we will racing. There is no issue.
“From what I knew going into the race I was supposed to leave a gap and now I don’t know if that’s the case as it is unsure over the rules. But it is good that we are able to race as hard as we want to.
“We all want to race harder and it was a tough battle which was good.”
Hamilton nonetheless suggested that he will learn from his scrap with Leclerc for future reference.
“There is no lack of respect between drivers,” he said. “I don’t have a problem, we are not in a fight, I congratulated him straight after I got out of the car.
“I think Charles is one of the most respectable drivers. It is the first time I’ve really come wheel-to-wheel with him and as I said when you arrive with a new driver you learn how they approach different scenarios.
“Maybe you position your car differently next time, I would do a better job next time, who knows.”
