🔥BREAKING: Lewis Hamilton also spoke out after the new FIA Ruling was released, making Leclerc angry over the directive after the investigation 👇👇
The Formula 1 world was set ablaze this week following a controversial new ruling from the FIA that has left Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc fuming and prompted a measured response from his teammate, Lewis Hamilton. The decision, which came after an investigation into team communications during the recent Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, has reignited debates about team orders, fairness, and the governing body’s role in policing on-track dynamics. As the dust settles, the contrasting reactions from Ferrari’s star drivers reveal the complexities of their partnership and the challenges facing the Scuderia in a turbulent 2025 season.
The FIA’s investigation focused on Ferrari’s handling of team orders during the Miami Grand Prix, where Hamilton and Leclerc were embroiled in a tense battle for position. Running on different tire strategies, Hamilton, on fresher medium tires, repeatedly requested to overtake Leclerc to chase Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli for sixth place. Ferrari’s delayed response, which Hamilton sarcastically criticized over the radio as taking a “tea break,” led to frustration for both drivers. Leclerc, who was initially asked to let Hamilton pass, later regained his position when Hamilton couldn’t close the gap to Antonelli. The FIA’s subsequent review of the radio exchanges and team decision-making process concluded with a directive mandating stricter protocols for team communications to ensure “clarity and fairness” in future races. While the ruling stopped short of penalizing Ferrari, it included a warning that repeated delays in executing team orders could result in fines or grid penalties.
Leclerc’s reaction was immediate and visceral. The Monegasque driver, already disheartened by Ferrari’s lackluster performance at Imola—where both he and Hamilton were knocked out in Q2, qualifying 11th and 12th respectively—expressed his frustration in a post-race interview. “This is ridiculous,” Leclerc said, his voice laced with anger. “We’re already struggling with a car that’s nowhere near where it needs to be, and now we have to deal with this? The team is trying to do what’s best for both of us, but these rules are just making things harder.” His comments reflect a broader discontent within Ferrari, as the team languishes in fourth place in the constructors’ championship, a staggering 152 points behind leaders McLaren. Leclerc’s outburst also hints at lingering tensions from Miami, where he felt the team’s indecision cost valuable time and potential points.
Hamilton, in contrast, adopted a more diplomatic tone when addressing the FIA’s ruling. The seven-time world champion, who has faced his own challenges adapting to Ferrari’s SF-25 after his high-profile move from Mercedes, emphasized the need for unity within the team. “Look, I get why Charles is upset—it’s a tough situation for everyone,” Hamilton said in a press conference on May 18, 2025. “The FIA is trying to keep things fair, but we’re the ones out there fighting for every tenth of a second. I think we just need to sit down as a team, figure out how to work with these new guidelines, and focus on improving the car.” His comments suggest a desire to move past the controversy and focus on Ferrari’s upcoming upgrades, expected at the Spanish Grand Prix, which team principal Fred Vasseur has described as critical for turning the season around.
The FIA’s directive has sparked wider debate within the F1 community. Some pundits argue that the governing body is overreaching by micromanaging team strategies, while others believe the ruling is necessary to prevent teams from manipulating race outcomes. Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle noted, “Ferrari’s indecision in Miami was a mess, but the FIA needs to be careful not to stifle the competitive spirit of the sport.” Meanwhile, fans on social media platforms like X have taken sides, with some praising Leclerc’s passion and others commending Hamilton’s composure under pressure.
For Ferrari, the timing of the controversy couldn’t be worse. The team is grappling with a car that struggles in slow corners and lacks the outright pace of rivals like McLaren and Red Bull. Hamilton’s “devastated” reaction to Ferrari’s Imola qualifying disaster underscored the scale of the challenge, while Leclerc’s “P-nowhere” comment captured the team’s current predicament. The FIA’s new directive adds another layer of complexity, forcing Ferrari to refine their communication processes under intense scrutiny.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Ferrari to see how Hamilton and Leclerc navigate their relationship and the new FIA guidelines. The Scuderia’s ability to rally around their drivers and deliver a competitive car will determine whether they can salvage their 2025 campaign. For now, the fallout from the FIA’s ruling has exposed the fault lines within one of F1’s most storied teams, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown in the races to come.
