Ferrari in chaos as Charles Leclerc ‘wants to quit' and Lewis Hamilton ‘likes' post blasting F1 team
Leclerc and Hamilton have both responded to rumours of their discontent
Hammer blow Ferrari in chaos as Charles Leclerc 'wants to quit' and Lewis Hamilton 'likes' post blasting F1 team
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
FERRARI have been hit by chaos hours before the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix gets underway.
The legendary team had been expected to push for a constructors title this year thanks to their talented line-up in Charles Leclerc and high-profile new addition Lewis Hamilton.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
3
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have plunged Ferrari into chaos ahead of the Canada Grand Prix
Credit: Getty
3
Leclerc is said to be doubting the terms long-term ability to build a championship winning car while Hamilton 'liked' a social media post blasting the team
Credit: Rex
However, the team have struggled to keep pace with leaders McLaren and have already suffered a number of disappointing race results this season - despite sitting second in the F1 constructors rankings.
In fact, according to Italian outlet Corriere della Sera, their 2025 struggles have reportedly caused Leclerc to start doubting the team's long-term ability to build a championship winning car.
The 27-year-old, who first moved to the Prancing Horse in 2019 after a season with Alfa Romeo, is now no longer ruling out a transfer to another team ahead of the 2026 regulation changes.
Mercedes are rumoured to be one party interested in the Monegasque if he becomes available.
READ MORE IN F1
Formula gone Popular F1 race to be scrapped after forcing team to change name to take part
But Leclerc offered a blunt response to the rumours by declaring: "I'm very surprised. I mean, I have no idea from where it's coming from... I love the team."
Meanwhile, former Silver Arrows ace Hamilton fanned the flames on the Scuderia this week after the 40-year-old appeared to like a social media post blasting the team.
The post commented on how painful it was to watch Hamilton drive the Ferrari, although the like from the Brit's alleged account was quickly removed.
The full post said: "There's a deep sense of disappointment watching Lewis Hamilton's transition to Ferrari unfold this season.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK
"While the hope for his historic 8th World Championship remains alive, the reality is increasingly difficult to ignore. The partnership, though iconic on paper, has so far failed to deliver on track.
"Ferrari's current car package lacks the consistency and pace Lewis needs. Beyond technical issues, there appears to be a growing disconnect — from strategy calls to team communication.
Lewis Hamilton looks close to tears in live TV interview after 'terrible' performance
"It's also clear that cultural differences may be playing a role; Lewis, a seasoned British driver, now operates in an environment dominated by Italian structure and style — and that adaptation hasn't been smooth.
"So far, his only podium came in a sprint race. Since then, it's been a slide back into the midfield, most notably finishing P8 — far from where a seven-time world champion belongs.
"As fans, we still believe in his ability to make history. But this season proves: legacy alone doesn't win races — performance and synergy do."
Criticism had been labelled at team principal Fred Vasseur, sparking speculation over his future, although on F1 media day in Montreal, Hamilton came out in a staunch defence of his boss.
The seven-time world champion said: "It's definitely not nice to hear that there are stories like that that are out there. Firstly, I love working with Fred.
"Fred's the main reason I'm in this team and got the opportunity to be here, which I'm forever grateful for. And we're in this together. We're working hard in the background.
"Ultimately, it's nonsense what people have written. Most people don't know what's going on in the background."
He added: "I love working with Fred. Fred's the main reason I'm in this team and got the opportunity to be here, which I'm forever grateful for.
"We're in this together. We're working hard in the background. Things aren't perfect but I am here to work with the team but also with Fred.
"I want Fred here. I believe he is the person to take us to the top."
Ferrari are bringing upgrades to this weekend's race, including a new front-wing, which they hope will allow them to close the gap on the pace setters.
Hamilton is level with Michael Schumacher on seven wins at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, with his last one coming in 2017.
Leclerc has never won at the circuit, with his best result being a podium spot in 2019.
Meanwhile, reigning world champion Max Verstappen has won each of the last three races there.
Verstappen is facing a race ban after if picks up one more penalty point following his headloss at the Spanish Grand Prix when he deliberately crashed into rival George Russell.
The Dutchman is on 11 out of 12 penalty points before a race ban and has until June 30 to avoid getting punished before finding some breathing room as two points are wiped off his licence.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Josh Doig relishing McTominay and Gilmour Napoli battle as Scots thriving in Italy offers pathway for next top talents
The Scotland new boy - who made his debut against Liechtenstein - will back in the Serie A big time with Sassuolo next term Josh Doig can't wait to get back into Serie A to get a crack at Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour. The Scotland new boy, who made his debut against Liechtenstein on Monday, won't have to wait too long because newly-promoted Sassuolo will entertain the Italian champions at home on the opening day of the new Serie A season. Doig was with McTominay and Gilmour in the international squad and now he will face up to the title-winning pair on his return to the Italian top-flight. He said: 'I have just found out about Napoli. It will be our first game at home, so that will be a good one for us Scottish boys. 'It is a big game and the kind of match you want to play in. Scott and Billy will be coming to us.' Doig helped Sassuolo win Serie B and has been part of a massive success story for the Scots in Italy last season. The Napoli pair had their success while Lewis Ferguson also won the cup with Bologna. The full-back said: 'It's been some impact, the Scottish boys have made out in Italy. 'We seem to just go over and thrive, which is a good thing for us Scots, We've got a good name over there, obviously Scotty and Billy are big names. 'Che (Adams) is doing well, Liam (Henderson) and Fergie as well. So many Scottish players over there just now are making their mark. 'For young boys coming through, it's a place that you can look at and there's opportunities there. It's exciting times.' The pathway was all kicked off by the success of Aaron Hickey at Bologna. He also convinced Doig to get his passport out. He said: 'Hickey kicked it off. It seems to be a good market for them. When I first went over I spoke to Hickey. 'He said it's just such a different lifestyle altogether, but I'm loving it, absolutely loving it. I couldn't be happier over there.' Doig and Andy Irving could have made some unique Scottish football history when they made their national team debuts this week. The close friends both made their international bows together coming on in a double change in Monday's 4-0 win over Liechtenstein. The pair attended Newcraighall Primary School at the same time although Irving was a couple of years above. They were still close as their dads are best pals, having played football together with Edinburgh City. Doig said: 'It was just after half-time. Myself and Andy got the shout. It is funny because we are both really close. 'I grew up with Andy all the way through primary school and we have been pals for ages. 'It was Newcraighall Primary School. There are only about 100 people there, which is what makes it so crazy because it's so small. It's a nice story for the school, Andy and myself. 'Andy's two years older but we grew up together. His dad and my dad are best friends. They played together at Edinburgh City and stuff. 'I'm talking primary school to spending every New Year together, so it's just mental for us to come on and make our Scotland debuts at the same time. 'We were like, 'Oh my God.' We didn't know what to say. I'm buzzing for Andy and myself.' Doig has been in several Scotland squads previously and is delighted to have finally got that elusive cap. The former Hibs youngster said: 'I'm so happy, I can't put it into words. I am delighted. 'I was saying that to some of the boys, you never know if you're going to get on and obviously, I've been in a few squads. 'I'm just absolutely bursting with pride. We knew we had a job to do, obviously, but I was like, this is unbelievable. 'You just need to try and calm yourself down. I came on a 3-0 up, so it was a good time to come on. I just wanted to go and perform. 'I came out the blocks at 100mph. I was bursting with pride to just get on the pitch, finally, for my national team.' Doig's mum and dad missed his big afternoon with Steve Clarke's squad and had to watch the action unfold from their holiday resort but he has promised them his first shirt. He said: 'They are in Ibiza. They were at the Iceland game at Hampden and they already had the holidays booked. 'They didn't know if I would play or not and as I say they had this holiday booked. 'They were all watching it on television. My sister was there, everyone, so I am absolutely delighted. 'So they were celebrating on Monday night in Ibiza. I texted my mum and dad right after the game and they were delighted for me.' Doig's first international appearance caps off what has been a top season, having helped Sassuolo to the title and back into Serie A next season. The former Verona player said: 'It's been mad with the obvious ups and downs but to get promoted at the end of it and obviously to get capped now, it's just been such a good season for myself. 'As I have said, it's my first trophy that I have won with a team, so that's a first, and then obviously I have come here and got my first Scotland cap. 'I'm just bursting with pride to get it all done and obviously now I need to focus on next season. 'I am looking forward to going back to Sassuolo after our promotion back to Serie A. 'Doing well there next season will hopefully keep me in the Scotland squad. 'There are three camps to go this year so I obviously want to push to try and get in.'
South Wales Guardian
5 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Makers of new F1 film say they could not have done it without Lewis Hamilton
Seven-time world champion Hamilton is an executive producer on the Brad Pitt movie, titled 'F1', which is released in the United Kingdom on June 25. Hamilton has been heavily involved in the script – which sees 61-year-old Pitt play the role of veteran driver Sonny Hayes returning to the F1 grid after a long absence – to ensure the film is as authentic as possible. Joseph Kosinski, the man behind Top Gun: Maverick and director of the F1 movie, said at this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix: 'Lewis was the first person I reached out to when I had the initial idea for this. 'I sent him an email and just said, 'I want to tell a story in your world. I want to make it as authentic as possible. Will you help me?' And luckily Lewis said 'Yes'. 'He was involved in all the technical details with fascinating advice. In Hungary, for instance, he said, 'If Brad's going to let someone pass during a blue flag and he wants it to be as tight as possible, he's going to only do that at turn six'. SNEAK PEEK: The APXGP team meet for the first time! 👀#F1TheMovie – only in theatres late June Get tickets now: 🎟️#F1 — Formula 1 (@F1) June 11, 2025 'That kind of detail from a seven-time world champion who lives and breathes this world every day, I couldn't have got that from anywhere else. 'But Lewis also contributed to the story. There is a part in the film where Sonny Hayes talks about why he races and almost the spiritual side of it. And that also was inspired by a conversation with Lewis. So his involvement has been amazing. And we couldn't make the film without him.' Pitt's fictional rookie team-mate Joshua Pearce is played by British actor Damson Idris. Filming has taken place across multiple races over the last two seasons, and F1 chiefs hope the movie will follow the popularity of Netflix's Drive To Survive series in cracking America.
North Wales Chronicle
6 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Mercedes' George Russell fastest in second practice for Canadian Grand Prix
The British driver, who took pole position in Montreal last year, edged out McLaren compatriot Lando Norris, with Kimi Antonelli underlining Mercedes' speed to set the third quickest time. Championship leader Oscar Piastri was only sixth, with Lewis Hamilton eighth, one place ahead of Max Verstappen, who had earlier finished fastest in the first running of the weekend. 🏁 END OF FP2 🏁 TOP 10Russell 💨NorrisAntonelliAlbonAlonsoPiastriSainzHamiltonVerstappenLawson#F1 #CanadianGP — Formula 1 (@F1) June 13, 2025 Russell has been one of the grid's standout performers this season with four podium finishes already under his belt, matching the tally he managed for the entire 2024 campaign. At the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Friday, Russell's lap of one minute and 12.123 seconds was the fastest of the day to leave Norris trailing. McLaren have dominated the campaign so far, but in practice here they appeared to be lacking the advantage which has carried them to seven wins from the nine races staged. Norris was in striking range of Russell, just 0.028sec behind the Mercedes man, but Piastri was 0.439sec off the pace, having finished the first practice session in 14th. Williams' Alex Albon took fourth, with Fernando Alonso fifth, but the two-time world champion's Aston Martin team-mate Lance Stroll crashed out. Stroll, who had a medical procedure on a wrist injury which prevented him from contesting the Spanish Grand Prix a fortnight ago, thudded into the concrete wall at turn seven to bring an abrupt end to his session. The Canadian was the day's second major casualty after Charles Leclerc's preparations for the rest of the weekend were dealt a blow when he suffered a heavy accident with just nine laps on the board in first practice. The Monegasque crashed into the barrier on the entry to turn four and sustained significant damage to the left-hand side of his Ferrari. The force of the impact sent him sideways and across the other side of the chicane. 'F***,' said Leclerc on the radio. 'Sorry, I am in the wall. My bad. I should have gone straight, but I thought I would make the corner and I hit the wall.' Leclerc's survival cell on his Ferrari needed replacing which sidelined him for the remainder of the day. His accident marked an underwhelming day for Ferrari which will have done little to lift the gloom around the Italian team with Hamilton 0.530 sec slower than the pace-setting Russell.
