Martin Brundle has reiterated his verdict regarding the controversial first-lap collision between Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at the recent Italian Grand Prix. The incident, which occurred at Monza, has generated significant discussion among Formula 1 pundits and fans alike. Brundle’s comments reinforce his initial assessment of the clash.
The collision unfolded at the Variante del Rettifilo, Monza’s challenging first chicane, during the opening lap of the 2026 Italian Grand Prix. Hamilton executed an aggressive dive down the inside of his teammate, aiming to gain third position.
Leclerc maintained his racing line through the initial right-hander, which became the inside for the subsequent left-hand exit. This maneuver squeezed Hamilton onto the gravel run-off area, causing him to drop several positions to tenth place. Hamilton voiced his displeasure over team radio, stating that Leclerc had pushed him off the track.
During Sky Sports F1’s live coverage of the race, Brundle, a lead F1 analyst, suggested that Hamilton’s attempt to hold the outside line was a naive move. He has since doubled down on this initial take in his post-race column for Sky.
Brundle detailed the sequence of events: “Into the first chicane Hamilton released the brakes and rolled up the inside of Leclerc, forcing him wide and meaning a tight entry into the immediate Turn 2. They were side by side and Hamilton stuck it out around the outside.”
He continued, observing Leclerc’s action: “A likely miffed Leclerc understeered wide on that inside line and nerfed Hamilton off into the gravel. He could have given him more room most likely but clearly didn’t want to.”
The Autodromo Nazionale Monza is renowned as the ‘Temple of Speed,’ featuring long straights and demanding chicanes. The Variante del Rettifilo, where the incident occurred, is a frequent site for first-lap contact due to the heavy braking required from high speeds.
The FIA stewards reviewed the incident following the race. After deliberation, they concluded that no further action was necessary, classifying the contact as a racing incident.
Brundle also offered a general observation regarding the circuit: “Whatever the rules, if you’re on the outside of Turn 2 in Monza at any point, you’re highly likely to be run out of road and end up high on the exit kerb or in the gravel. We’ve all been there.”
However, Brundle’s former Sky Sports F1 colleague, Nico Rosberg, expressed a contrasting view. Rosberg, a 2016 World Champion, placed the blame entirely on Leclerc for the collision.
“The rules are, if the driver on the outside, which in this case is Lewis, is ahead at some point towards the apex, then the inside must leave room,” Rosberg stated. “Lewis was ahead going in, so Charles has to leave room, and he didn’t. So it’s 100 per cent Charles’ fault.”
Ferrari’s 2026 season has seen both Hamilton and Leclerc secure victories, with Hamilton winning in Barcelona and Leclerc at Silverstone. The internal competition between the two drivers has been close, with Leclerc holding a slight edge in qualifying head-to-heads and Hamilton leading in race head-to-heads.
The Scuderia’s SF-26 chassis has demonstrated strong performance this season, particularly in low and medium-speed corners. Despite this, the team faces a power unit deficit compared to rivals like Mercedes, adding another layer to their competitive challenges.
