.During the 2025 Formula 1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc delivered a moment of cheeky sarcasm over the team radio that quickly grabbed fans’ attention. The Monegasque driver, known for his cool composure and laser focus, couldn’t resist a jab when he found himself battling seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton on track.
As the two exchanged positions in a tightly contested midfield scrap, Leclerc radioed his team with a sarcastic quip: “Oh, Lewis is racing me like it’s for the championship!” His tone was unmistakably laced with irony, referencing both Hamilton’s aggressive defense and perhaps a nod to their current standings in the championship — where neither is realistically fighting for the title.
The comment triggered immediate buzz on social media, with fans applauding Leclerc’s wit and others dissecting the possible deeper meaning. Was it frustration? Humor? Or a subtle critique of Mercedes’ hard racing tactics?
Leclerc and Hamilton have shared mutual respect over the years, but tempers often flare in the heat of battle. Hamilton, known for his fierce but fair driving, was likely unaware of the comment at the time, but post-race interviews could offer more insight into any lingering tension or shared laughs.
Ferrari, racing on home soil at Imola, had high hopes for a podium finish, but strategy challenges and a tightly packed field made every overtake count. Leclerc’s radio moment added a spark of personality to an already dramatic race.
In a sport where every second matters, and communication is often dry and calculated, Leclerc’s jab offered a rare glimpse into a driver’s real-time thoughts — proving once again that Formula 1 is as much about the mind games as it is about speed.