Ferrari drivers address rivalry and performance ahead of Azerbaijan GP

Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton addressed their competitive relationship and the team's performance during practice sessions. Leclerc defended the duo against media scrutiny regarding their on-track battles, specifically referencing a recent incident at Monza. He stated that while both have occasionally pushed boundaries, they resolve issues through direct communication and prioritize the team's success. Leclerc argued that media analysis of Ferrari's internal dynamics is often exaggerated and leads to incorrect conclusions.

During free practice sessions in Baku, Leclerc finished fourth and Hamilton fifth in the second session. Leclerc noted a lack of rhythm and expressed the need for significant work to close performance gaps before qualifying. Hamilton provided a more positive assessment, highlighting the valuable data collected, though he emphasized the importance of managing tire operating windows to ensure consistent grip and balance.

Separately, Lewis Hamilton voiced opposition to the F1 Commission's decision to shorten Grand Prix distances starting in 2027. He argued that races should be longer, noting that current tire technology and physical demands make shorter distances less meaningful for the sport's competitive nature.