{
  "id": 9472346,
  "title": "Leclerc plays down Hamilton rift talk, hails ‘special’ Antonelli",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/leclerc-plays-down-hamilton-rift-talk-hails-special-antonelli",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T02:40:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/sports/2026/09/24/leclerc-plays-down-hamilton-rift-talk-hails-special-antonelli/236309"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "BAKU, September 24 — Charles Leclerc downplayed rumors of tension with fellow Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton and instead commended the abilities of Kimi Antonelli. Speaking to reporters, Leclerc stated that there is no need to focus on his rapport with the seven-time champion following a heated incident at the Italian Grand Prix. \"Turn two in Monza is something that I’ve said repeatedly that we don’t want to see ever happen again,\" he explained. \"That was going too far on my side, but I’ve been through it already.\" Leclerc emphasized that the matter was being overemphasized and overanalyzed, particularly in relation to the red cars. He further added that he enjoys competing against Hamilton on the track, describing it as a significant challenge. When asked about Mercedes' star driver, Antonelli, Leclerc acknowledged his potential and praised his impressive performance throughout his junior career. He noted that even though Antonelli faced challenges in his first year of F1, he has been driving exceptionally well this year. Russell, a teammate of Antonelli, praised his driving style as being well-suited to the new hybrid era cars. He described Antonelli's approach as consistent and impressive, particularly considering the challenges he has faced this season.",
  "summary": "BAKU, Sept 24 — Charles Leclerc yesterday brushed off talk of a rift with Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton and ins...",
  "key_points": [
    "Leclerc downplays tension with Hamilton, praises Kimi Antonelli.",
    "Turn two incident at Monza was too far on his side, but Leclerc acknowledges it.",
    "Leclerc admires Antonelli's performance, calls him a significant challenge."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Leclerc's dismissal of tension with Hamilton shifts focus to his admiration for Antonelli, highlighting the young driver's impressive skills and potential in the F1 scene.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}