Lewis Hamilton, the seven‑time world champion, used his post‑practice interview at the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix to stress that he is not asking Ferrari for any special treatment over his teammate Charles Leclerc. The comment, first reported by Autosport and echoed by Motorsport.com, came after speculation that the former Mercedes driver might be leveraging his star power to influence team strategy.
What Hamilton said
When asked whether he expected Ferrari to give him priority in pit stops or race strategy, Hamilton replied, “I don’t want preferential treatment from Ferrari. I want to be treated the same as Charles. It’s about the team, not me.” He added that his focus is on extracting the maximum performance from the car and helping the team develop, rather than seeking any advantage because of his name.
Why the comment matters
Ferrari has been under pressure this season, with Leclerc leading the drivers’ standings while the team struggles to match Red Bull’s pace. Hamilton’s arrival has added a high‑profile dynamic to the paddock, and any hint of internal favouritism could destabilise the delicate balance between the two drivers. By publicly stating his desire for equal treatment, Hamilton is attempting to quell rumours that his presence might create a hierarchy within the team.
Team principal Frederic Vasseur, when later asked about the issue, said that Ferrari’s approach remains "driver‑centric" and that race strategy will be dictated by data, not by who sits in the cockpit. This aligns with Hamilton’s own message and suggests the team is keen to avoid any perception of bias.
For Indian fans
The Monaco practice session starts at 13:30 IST and the race will be broadcast live on FanCode from 16:00 IST. Hamilton’s remarks are likely to be a talking point during the race weekend, especially if Ferrari’s pit‑stop strategy comes under scrutiny. Indian viewers can catch the full post‑practice interview on the FanCode app, where subtitles are available in English and Hindi.
Source: Autosport
