Former Williams team manager and respected journalist Peter Windsor has dismissed Lewis Hamilton’s apparent surprise regarding Charles Leclerc’s aggressive driving tactics. Windsor stated that Leclerc “has always been a dirty driver” and suggested Hamilton should have been aware of this before joining Ferrari.
The comments follow recent on-track tensions between the Ferrari teammates during the 2026 Formula 1 season. At the Mexico City Grand Prix on November 1, Hamilton, starting from pole position, clashed with Leclerc on the opening lap. Leclerc ran off track at Turn 4 while attempting an overtake, rejoining ahead of Hamilton.
Hamilton voiced frustration over the team radio, believing Leclerc had pushed him off the circuit. The incident allowed Max Verstappen to gain positions, ultimately costing Ferrari a potential victory. Leclerc later received a five-second time penalty for gaining a lasting advantage.
The friction continued into the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, held on November 8. Hamilton reiterated his view that Leclerc races him with greater aggression than other drivers on the grid.
During the Brazilian Grand Prix, Leclerc was involved in another incident, making contact with Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) at Turn 12 while battling for seventh place. The FIA stewards investigated the clash and subsequently handed Leclerc a five-second time penalty, dropping him from seventh to eighth in the final classification.
Lawson openly criticised Leclerc’s manoeuvre, drawing comparisons to a controversial overtake from Leclerc’s GP2 career. Peter Windsor specifically referenced this incident, stating, “Look what he did to Liam Lawson in Brazil, just to name one example of a Charles incident.”
“Charles has always been a dirty driver, always will be, and everybody knows that except apparently Lewis Hamilton when he’s about to sign a new contract at Ferrari,” Windsor remarked.
Leclerc himself has acknowledged his aggressive driving style, describing it as a general characteristic. Analysis of his technique suggests he excels in cars with a lively rear end, utilising aggressive engine braking and throttle application to rotate the car.
Carlos Sainz, who was Leclerc’s teammate at Ferrari from 2021 to 2024 and now drives for Williams, offered his perspective on the dynamics. Sainz noted that the intense pressure associated with racing for Ferrari can amplify rivalries between teammates.
Sainz recalled that while his on-track battles with Leclerc were competitive, they maintained mutual respect and resolved disagreements privately. However, he also admitted to receiving insults from some of Leclerc’s “hardcore fans” and facing criticism from Italian media during their time together.
Following the Brazilian Grand Prix, Hamilton confirmed that he and Leclerc had held discussions to address the tensions. After a meeting with Team Principal Fred Vasseur, Hamilton and Leclerc spoke directly, with Hamilton stating they had “squashed it” and moved on, affirming their mutual respect.
Lewis Hamilton joined Ferrari in 2025, with his current contract extending through at least the 2027 season. Discussions regarding a potential extension into 2028 are ongoing.
