Hamilton willing to sacrifice F1 Italian GP qualifying to help Leclerc

Lewis Hamilton says he would be happy to provide Ferrari stablemate Charles Leclerc with a slipstream in Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix qualifying.

Leclerc and Hamilton are set for their biggest weekend of the year as winless Ferrari is under pressure to perform in front of its adoring tifosi at the Temple of Speed.

Hamilton in particular has a point to prove after crashing out of last week’s Dutch Grand Prix but, as the seven-time world champion has a five-place grid penalty for a pre-race yellow flag infraction in Zandvoort, he says he is willing to help Leclerc’ pole bid instead.

When asked if the prospect of helping Leclerc to a tow in Q3 had already been discussed by the Scuderia, Hamilton replied: “No, but I know that Ferrari used to do it many years ago. I remember when I started at least, I noticed Kimi [Raikkonen] and Felipe [Massa] used to do that often.

“It can be beneficial, but in my past, it felt like there was more risk, and often one person had to be sacrificed for it. So, I’m not sure whether they will do that this weekend. It’s not been discussed.

“But if it meant getting Charles there, then I would be happy to play that role.”

Leclerc is the defending winner in Monza, beating McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris to victory in 2024.