Charles Lecelrc has taken responsibility for the first lap clash at Monza with teammate Lewis Hamilton.

"The rules of engagement, I think it's kind of clear that we never want to see a car of the same team in the grass," the Monegasque told reporters in Spain today. "After reviewing, we spoke with Lewis, I obviously know I went too far in Turn 2 and I said it to Lewis and I think it's very clear what we should do or should avoid going forward.

"I won't go into much more details of what we said," he added. "The only thing I can say is that it definitely did not affect the good relationship that we have and it will not affect anything going forward. And that is the most important for me really.

"Then of course, I mean I know we are driving for Ferrari and if there's one race where you don't want that to happen is in Monza and when these things happen at our home race, then it does a huge mess outside."

In the aftermath of the race, Leclerc, who had crashed out on the second lap, claimed "we went too far", causing his teammate to insist that there was no "we" about it.

The incident has led to criticism in the Italian media, and, whilst blaming Fred Vasseur for not getting a grip on the situation, there are claims of rival factions developing within the Maranello outfit.

Leclerc, keen to play down this aspect, pointed to the intra team rivalry elsewhere.

"Looking at the race from outside, there's also been some friction between other teammates and the only thing we end up speaking of is Lewis and I, which I don't think is quite right.

"But that doesn't mean we did everything perfect," he admitted. "I didn't in Turn 2, and for that I've been straight away very clear with Lewis after reviewing the images.

"I think the most important is that we clarified the situation, we talked, I told Lewis how I felt, Lewis told me what he felt and I think we fully agree with both of our views in hindsight when we speak without the emotions of the race.

"It happens. It's not the last time that will happen I'm sure, because it's the kind of things that happens in racing, particularly when we are starting so close to each other so often. But it's not a situation that we want to find ourselves in again so and that is very clear for Lewis and for myself."

Asked if he felt the incident has been blown out of proportion, Leclerc took the diplomatic approach.

"I need to be careful with that because surely it's not to minimise the way that this unfolded. And as I said, it's not acceptable to see Lewis going in the gravel.

"But for sure the proportions as a matter of fact are much bigger on our side compared to the two other teams that have had some..." he stopped himself, though clearly referring to Mercedes and McLaren, "I mean, I didn't follow the whole race but the two other teams I saw that were fighting at the top, there wasn't as much noise around it.

"So surely, the proportions that it takes when you are driving for Ferrari is much bigger, and particularly if we're in Monza. But that's not to minimise what happens and it's not something that should happen again."

"What's great is that there was no shying away from having a discussion," Hamilton subsequently told reporters. "We sat face-to-face, just him and I, and talked about it. We were just both open and honest, and we squashed it. We can move on.

"I think that shows maturity from him," added the Briton. "I think it's healthy. It's a relationship we have built over time.

"Of course, there's going to be frustrations," he admitted, "and there will be times where we're kind of, I'm sure there will be more times we are close, because we're very close in pace.

"We both want to win just as much as each other, and we both want to do well for the team as well. But yeah, I think it's real positive."

The seven-time world champion was also keen to dismiss claims that he is pushing Ferrari to prioritise his championship bid.

"That's not actually what I've been asking for," he said. "It's really just making sure we're executing to make sure we get the best result for the team. Instead of us working against each other and finishing fourth and fifth, maybe we can work together and get a podium, pull off more points."