Leclerc Confirms Ferrari Will Provide Hamilton with Slipstream in Monza Qualifying; Mercedes Adopts Similar Strategy

Charles Leclerc has indicated that he expects to offer Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton a tow during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix, as Kimi Antonelli prepares to play a supporting role for title rival George Russell at Mercedes.

Slipstreaming has long been considered essential at Monza’s high-speed circuit for achieving strong single-lap performance, and this remains true in 2026 despite the introduction of new machinery featuring less aggressive downforce configurations and active aerodynamics, which reduce the overall impact of the tow.

The technique was recently demonstrated at Spa-Francorchamps, where Isack Hadjar assisted Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen in securing second place on the grid by providing a tow heading into Blanchimont, confirming that slipstreaming continues to be a valuable tactical asset.

Within the Ferrari garage, the two drivers alternate in deciding the running order during Q3. On this occasion, Hamilton will have the privilege of making that call, although Leclerc, a long-standing favourite among the tifosi, made clear that he will not forgo his own competitive opportunities.

“We have always maintained the same approach over the years, where on one occasion Lewis has the priority to choose his starting position, and on another weekend it falls to me,” Leclerc explained. “This weekend Lewis will have priority, so I imagine he will opt for the slipstream.

“Whether we end up compromising one qualifying over the other, I do not think that will be the case. However, if we can assist one another by starting the lap at the optimal distance between cars, that will certainly happen. In turn, I will try to find a slipstream from another competitor, hoping to position myself in the strongest possible place.”

Antonelli: “We have reached a mutual understanding”

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images

Within the Mercedes team, the situation is more straightforward. Championship leader Antonelli has been fitted with a fresh powertrain, exceeding his allocated quota for internal combustion engines, batteries, and control electronics units, which is expected to result in a grid penalty sending him toward the rear of the field.

Given these circumstances, Antonelli anticipates being called upon to provide team-mate Russell with a tow, despite the fact that Russell is a rival in the title fight, as this assistance could prove decisive against Ferrari in the contest for pole position.

“The matter has been discussed with the team, and yes, we have agreed on a few things,” the Italian confirmed.

“Let us see how the session unfolds. However, if the team asks me to provide a tow, I will comply. Naturally, I would still be delighted to take pole, but I am starting from the back of the grid. Therefore, if there is anything I can do to support the team, I will gladly do so.”

Antonelli currently holds a 59-point lead over Russell and Hamilton in the drivers’ standings, with eleven rounds officially remaining, including Monza and the yet-to-be-confirmed events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Additional reporting by Ronald Vording

Source link