Ferrari’s Alesi Blasts Hamilton: “He Let Leclerc Down!”
In a stunning revelation that has ignited the passions of racing fans worldwide, Jean Alesi, the beloved former Ferrari driver, has unleashed a scathing critique of Lewis Hamilton following the Italian Grand Prix. The legendary Monza circuit, known as the temple of speed, witnessed a dramatic clash of strategies and sportsmanship that has left fans reeling and commentators buzzing.
During the highly anticipated qualifying session, expectations were high for Hamilton to lend a helping hand to his rival, Charles Leclerc. Hamilton had previously expressed his willingness to support the Ferrari star, yet his actions spoke volumes as he ultimately refused to take any steps to assist Leclerc in securing a better starting position. This shocking turn of events sparked outrage among fans and pundits alike, as many had anticipated a different approach from the seven-time world champion.
Alesi, who had the chance to relive his glory days behind the wheel of the iconic Ferrari 412 T2— the very car that earned him his sole Grand Prix victory in Canada back in 1995—did not hold back in his assessment. “I was disappointed with Hamilton’s attitude! He could have, and perhaps should have, helped Leclerc during the qualifying rounds,” Alesi stated emphatically. His comments echo the sentiments of many who believed that Hamilton’s cooperation was not just expected, but a matter of racing integrity.
Despite Hamilton’s claims that he had “never done that in his career,” the fervor surrounding his decision has raised questions about the ethics of teamwork in Formula 1. Alesi contended that Hamilton’s refusal to assist Leclerc was a missed opportunity to showcase sportsmanship, especially given the circumstances and the context of the season. “Many were counting on him to step up, without even needing to be asked. A better grid position for Leclerc might not have changed the race’s outcome, but it would have shown true camaraderie,” he added.
To contrast Hamilton’s stance, Alesi pointed to the actions of McLaren, which orchestrated a seamless team maneuver during the race. Oscar Piastri was instructed to relinquish his position to teammate Lando Norris after a pit stop misfortune. Alesi reflected, “If I were a title contender like Piastri, I would have given the position back, as part of being in a team culture that McLaren has instilled—a culture of winning.”
As the dust settles on the dramatic events at Monza, Alesi’s words resonate loudly among the F1 community, challenging perceptions of loyalty and teamwork in a sport where every second counts. Will Hamilton’s legacy be tarnished by this perceived lack of support, or will he rise above and reclaim the admiration of fans and peers alike? The questions linger as we look ahead to the next thrilling chapter of the Formula 1 saga.