Martin Brundle sticks to Monza verdict after FIA stewards check

Martin Brundle has stuck by his verdict that the Monza stewards were right not to penalize Charles Leclerc for his first-lap clash with Lewis Hamilton, after checking with the officials following Nico Rosberg's disagreement.

Speaking at the new Madring circuit, Brundle reaffirmed his stance. The incident saw Hamilton run wide through the gravel after going side-by-side with Leclerc through the chicane, with Hamilton claiming he was pushed off. The stewards took no further action.

Why it matters:

The exchange highlights how first-lap incidents are judged differently in F1. Brundle's consultation with the stewards reinforces that opening-lap racing is often treated with more leniency, a principle that can frustrate drivers but is key to maintaining the spectacle.

The details:

• Rosberg was adamant Leclerc was '100 per cent' at fault, saying Hamilton was ahead and deserved space.
• Brundle had told Rosberg: 'I called it exactly the opposite way,' leading to Rosberg's playful retort about Brundle's usual knowledge.
• Brundle said the stewards took no action because 'all regulations are seen through a different lens on the first lap of a Grand Prix.'
• He added that while Leclerc could have given more room, being on the outside of Turn 2 almost inevitably means running wide: 'It's sort of six of one, half a dozen of another.'
• Rosberg accepted Hamilton was too aggressive in his attack.

What's next:

Leclerc later took responsibility ahead of the Spanish GP, and both drivers say they remain on good terms. The debate over first-lap leniency is unlikely to fade, but Brundle's backing from the stewards gives his view weight.