Hamilton Criticizes Ferrari After Monza Disaster: 'Need Clear Internal Rules Like Mercedes Had'

The Monza race ended in immense disappointment for Ferrari. One car retired, the other finished sixth – a terrible result in front of tens of thousands of tifosi. But more notable was the performance of the two drivers from the very first lap. Lewis Hamilton believes everything could have been prevented if the team had set clear rules. From fourth on the grid, Hamilton attempted to overtake at Turn 2. He and Charles Leclerc ran side by side, but at the apex, Leclerc forced Hamilton wide. This dropped Hamilton out of the top ten at the start. Later, Leclerc crashed on his own and had to retire. When the race restarted, Hamilton could only recover to sixth place. For fans, this was a forgettable incident. For Hamilton, it was a wake-up call about Ferrari's internal management. He did not hesitate to criticize his teammate: "I was ahead at Turn 2. By the time I got to the apex, I was ahead. There was no 'us' in that. There's really not much more to say. It was very bad for the team and obviously cost us a lot of positions." Hamilton went further by expressing his racing philosophy: "I don't race dirty. I've always raced clean and fair, and I've always left space. Since I've joined the team, I've tried to respect space and certainly not put the team in an awkward position. I maintain that stance." Notably, Hamilton didn't just aim at Leclerc but also at team boss Fred Vasseur. He argued that Ferrari's management has not provided clear instructions on how drivers should behave when both have opportunities to fight for podiums or wins. "Ultimately, it comes from the top. The decisions are passed down and start with Fred (Vasseur). There's a limit to how much you can say, how much you can insist or shout from above." "I said yesterday that we need to review how we communicate. If we keep going down the same path, we'll keep getting the same result. And we keep getting the same result. We need to change things because this isn't helping us move forward. Essentially, it's about setting clear racing rules," Hamilton added. Monza was not the first time Hamilton had issues with a teammate on track, but the most memorable were with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes. The seven-time champion recalled that at Mercedes, the rules of engagement were written down. "When I was at Mercedes, we had written racing rules. In fact, we almost never had any big problems. Maybe there was a moment between me and Nico once or twice, but most of the time it worked well. Here, there are no rules. And I think that's something we need to change," Hamilton concluded. Looking at race dynamics, the lack of consistency in Ferrari's strategy is evident. At a home race, the pressure is immense. Both drivers want to perform well to please the fans. But when both dive into Turn 2 at high speed, neither wants to give way. It's a difficult situation even for experienced drivers. Based on my experience following many seasons, incidents between teammates often stem from ambiguity about hierarchy or assigned strategy. Ferrari seems never to have truly defined who is No.1 and who is No.2 early in the season. This creates an unhealthy competitive environment where each driver looks out for himself. Compared to Mercedes, Ferrari lacks clear rules. Mercedes, under Toto Wolff, established an internal constitution early to manage similar situations. Drivers know their limits, know when to race each other and when to hold position. This not only prevents the team from losing points but also maintains a respectful working relationship. Meanwhile, Ferrari appears to let its drivers handle things alone. The collision at Monza is a clear warning. Hamilton, who once faced Rosberg, understands the value of those rules more than anyone. He is not asking for a better car or a stronger team, but for something simple: clarity. However, not everyone agrees with Hamilton's interpretation. Some pundits suggest Hamilton also shares blame for not backing off when he knew Leclerc was alongside. But systemically, the lack of rules is a significant flaw. Even if Hamilton was clearly forced wide, the team could have intervened had there been a clear conflict resolution process. This incident also impacts the championship. Ferrari is directly competing with other teams in the Constructors' Championship. Every point matters. With Leclerc retiring and Hamilton only sixth, Ferrari lost a huge amount of points that could be decisive by season's end. This is an unacceptable waste in a tight battle. It's worth recalling that Hamilton is not the only one frustrated. Ferrari engineers and managers also understand that the situation could have been handled better. But the issue seems to have been overlooked for years. Ferrari is known for internal turmoil, and Monza is a prime example. Success in a racing team comes not only from the fastest car or the most talented driver. It comes from the coordination of all parties. And the human element – especially how drivers treat each other – always plays a key role. As I've witnessed over many seasons, a team that collapses due to internal conflict can quickly fall behind. Will Ferrari's management listen to Hamilton? Or will they ignore these warnings? With a driver who has won seven world championships, his experience cannot be denied. Hamilton is asking for something reasonable: establish the rules before it's too late. If not, Monza won't be the last disaster for Ferrari this season. In the short term, the team must address the immediate aftermath and ensure both drivers clearly understand their boundaries in upcoming races. Internal meetings, private sessions with each driver, and if necessary, a written code of conduct should be done immediately. Tifosi are waiting for a victory from their team. They don't want to see internal battles ruin their chances. It would be an insult if Ferrari doesn't learn from its own mistakes. Monza isn't just a stop on the calendar; it's Ferrari's spiritual home. A great team must show courage not only on track but also in handling sensitive situations. Hamilton has been in a well-organized team where racing rules were written and followed. He knows what he's talking about. When he says 'there are no rules,' it's a heavy criticism but also a valuable piece of advice. Ferrari should listen before it's too late. In the coming races, all eyes will be on the Italian team. Will they change their approach? Can Leclerc and Hamilton race together without further incident? The answer depends on management's actions. If they hesitate again, the cost could be the championship. The Monza race ended with many regrets. But another race is beginning: the race to salvage a turbulent season. For a veteran like Hamilton, making public statements isn't something he prefers. But when your team is shooting itself in the foot, perhaps it's time to speak out. Does Ferrari have the courage to change? Let's wait and see. In motorsport, it's said that 'your teammate is your first opponent.' But if that relationship isn't managed, it can destroy the whole team. Ferrari is on the brink. Hamilton arrives, bringing hope for greater professionalism, but that requires cooperation from everyone. For passionate fans, they want to see a strong and united Ferrari. They want to see two red cars fighting together, not against each other. And they want car #44 and #16 finishing in the top positions. If Ferrari can achieve that, the failure at Monza will become a costly lesson but worth it. Otherwise, Hamilton's story with Rosberg will just be a fairy tale about a golden era of Mercedes – something Ferrari is replicating in an unwanted way. As years pass, memories of a race at Monza may fade. But the lesson about leadership and teamwork will remain. Hamilton, as a veteran, is trying to point that out. All that's left is to listen.