Jun.9 (GMM) Charles Leclerc’s furious Monaco outburst may have unfairly placed all the blame on Brembo, according to fresh analysis from Italy.
The Ferrari driver exploded after crashing out of a podium position in Monaco, insisting he would not “take the f*cking blame” for what he described as severe and ongoing brake problems.
The controversy grew when Brembo issued a rare public statement saying it was “very surprised” by Leclerc’s comments and warning it was too early to draw conclusions before analysing the data.
Now respected La Gazzetta dello Sport technical analyst Paolo Filisetti believes the reality could be far more complicated than a simple brake failure.
“Specifically, the cause and the solution could coincide,” Filisetti wrote.
“It seems likely to be a combination of factors and adjustments specifically related to the energy regeneration system on the rear brakes and the operating temperature range of the discs and pads.”
The introduction of Formula 1’s heavily electrified 2026 regulations means braking systems are now more closely intertwined with energy recovery than ever before.
Filisetti noted that Monaco’s unique circumstances may have made matters worse. “It seems fair not to underestimate the fact that, just this weekend, the FIA chose to reduce the power output of the electrical system for safety reasons,” he explained.
According to the Italian, reduced energy recovery combined with Monaco’s low average speeds may have left Leclerc’s rear brakes operating below their ideal temperature range.
“Too cold and, therefore, unable to ensure high friction between the discs and pads,” he explained.
“Deep braking at the end of the straights is almost totally absent on this track.”
Filisetti stressed that telemetry analysis will ultimately determine exactly what happened, but pointed to one significant clue.
Lewis Hamilton experienced no such issues after switching brake configurations several races ago.
“The fact that Hamilton did not encounter any issues, while Leclerc repeatedly stated over the weekend that he had less than perfect braking feel, suggests that the solution adopted for three races on Lewis’ car prevented the same problem from recurring,” he said.
Leclerc has already confirmed he will adopt Hamilton’s setup – reportedly Carbon Industrie-supplied components – from Barcelona onwards.
The fallout extended beyond the paddock.
Brembo shares fell from 11.21 euros before the Monaco weekend to 11.04 when trading resumed on Monday, a drop of about 1.5 percent.
Former Formula 1 driver Vitaly Petrov, meanwhile, doubts the brakes were solely responsible for the crash at all.
“I don’t think it was Leclerc’s problems with his brakes,” he said on Telegram.
Petrov believes the Ferrari driver may have picked up large amounts of rubber ‘marbles’, while a breaking-up track surface may also have contributed to Lance Stroll’s similar crash.
“He simply couldn’t turn,” the Russian said of Leclerc. “The second thing was the damaged asphalt.”
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES