JUST IN: Charles Leclerc Confirms Ferrari Sabotage Involving Lewis Hamilton and… Read more
Charles Leclerc Confirms Ferrari Sabotage Claims Involving Lewis Hamilton and Announces Mercedes Switch
Charles Leclerc has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock after reportedly confirming explosive allegations that Ferrari deliberately undermined Lewis Hamilton during the 2025 season, while also announcing his own intention to leave Maranello for Mercedes. The claims, which have emerged from what is described as a leaked internal recording dated December 18, 2025, threaten to plunge Ferrari into one of the most serious crises in its modern history.
According to sources familiar with the recording, the discussion took place during Ferrari’s closed-door post-season analysis at Maranello. In the audio, Leclerc is alleged to have acknowledged that the data supplied to Hamilton’s side of the garage was intentionally flawed. This included outdated simulation models, misleading tyre degradation projections, and incorrect pit-window calculations — all critical components that directly influence race strategy and championship outcomes in modern Formula 1.
Leaked Recording Raises Serious Allegations
The leaked material suggests the issue went far beyond simple operational errors or miscommunication. Leclerc is reported to have described the actions as a coordinated effort, claiming that misinformation was knowingly fed into Hamilton’s race operations. If accurate, the revelation would mark one of the most severe internal scandals Ferrari has faced since the height of the team-orders controversies of the early 2000s.
Sources indicate that the false data primarily affected Hamilton during key phases of the 2025 season, particularly in races where Ferrari faced internal tension over driver hierarchy. Incorrect tyre life estimates allegedly led to compromised pit strategies, while skewed simulations affected qualifying and race-day setup decisions. The cumulative effect, according to the claims, significantly damaged Hamilton’s ability to challenge consistently at the front.
Ferrari’s technical division now finds itself at the center of the storm. Engineers are said to have been instructed to prioritize one side of the garage, with Hamilton’s team receiving “sanitized” or deliberately altered information. While no senior figures have been publicly named, the implication is that the strategy originated from high-level management rather than rogue individuals.
Leclerc’s Alleged Role and Motivation
Perhaps most startling is Leclerc’s reported candor in the recording. Rather than distancing himself from the controversy, he is said to have openly acknowledged awareness of the situation. Sources suggest that Leclerc expressed frustration with Ferrari’s internal politics and admitted that the environment had become “untenable” as the season progressed.
This context has fueled reports that Leclerc has already decided his future lies away from Ferrari. According to the same sources, the Monégasque driver has informed close confidants of his intention to join Mercedes, viewing the Brackley-based team as a more transparent and professionally stable environment. While no official announcement has been made by Mercedes, speculation has intensified that talks have been ongoing for months.
Leclerc’s potential move would represent a dramatic shift in the competitive landscape. Mercedes, rebuilding after recent transitional seasons, would gain a proven race winner entering his prime. For Ferrari, losing their long-term talisman under such circumstances would compound the damage of the allegations.
Impact on Hamilton and Ferrari
For Lewis Hamilton, the claims add a bitter dimension to what was already a challenging chapter of his Ferrari tenure. The seven-time world champion joined the Scuderia with hopes of restoring its championship legacy, only to endure a campaign marred by inconsistency and internal tension. If the sabotage allegations are substantiated, questions will inevitably be raised about how much of Hamilton’s on-track struggles were beyond his control.
Ferrari, meanwhile, faces potential scrutiny not only from fans and media but also from the FIA. While the governing body has not commented, intentional manipulation of competitive data would strike at the heart of sporting integrity. Even the suggestion of such practices risks long-term reputational damage for the sport’s most iconic team.
Silence and Uncertainty
As of now, Ferrari have declined to respond publicly to the leaked recording. Leclerc has also remained silent, neither confirming nor denying the authenticity of the audio. Mercedes have similarly refused to comment on speculation surrounding a potential driver switch.
What is clear is that the allegations have introduced a new level of uncertainty ahead of the 2026 season. If proven true, they could redefine recent Ferrari history and alter the future trajectories of both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Until official statements emerge, the Formula 1 world is left grappling with one of the most explosive claims the sport has seen in years.
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