Marc Surer criticizes Hamilton and Ferrari after Italian Grand Prix collision
Former Formula One star Marc Surer has criticized Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari for “not playing as a team” following a tumultuous Italian Grand Prix, reports BritPanorama.
The race saw a brief collision between Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, forcing the British driver onto the gravel and down to 10th place. Leclerc, however, suffered a heavy crash at Parabolica on the second lap but did not lose his position immediately.
Hamilton eventually finished sixth, marking a disappointing outing for Ferrari at Monza. Surer expressed that both drivers share responsibility, stating, “You can feel they are not playing as a team.” He noted that Hamilton’s aggressive maneuver in the first chicane demonstrated a lack of coordination.
Surer elaborated, “Leclerc left him space, but then he was on the outside on the gravel, and he lost it. It was not very well planned, I have to say, but it shows the situation between them.” His comments reflect a growing concern over team dynamics, especially as Ferrari faces challenges in strategy and team orders.
He further indicated that Ferrari is “too weak to make a team order,” placing Hamilton in a prioritized position due to the points differential. “The problem is, for me, Leclerc is the faster driver. The car suits Hamilton better this year,” Surer explained, reflecting on the complexity of managing team directives amidst a competitive atmosphere.
Amidst these challenges, Surer highlighted the future implications for Ferrari, suggesting that prioritizing Hamilton could frustrate Leclerc, who is seen as the future of the team. “If they frustrate Leclerc to help Hamilton and they don’t win the championship, what if they give away a win for Leclerc or something? It’s very difficult,” he remarked.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged that the collision was “not good for the team,” underscoring the tension between his drivers. Currently, Hamilton holds third place in the Drivers’ Championship with 191 points, while Leclerc is in fifth with 155. Ferrari ranks second in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing Mercedes by 122 points, a significant gap given their current form.
The events at Monza serve as a reminder that even at the pinnacle of motorsport, interpersonal dynamics can overshadow performance, raising questions about unity and the future direction of a storied racing team.
