Table of Content
Lewis Hamilton states that Ferrari needs further discussions to establish clear rules of engagement, supporting observations that Charles Leclerc races him harder than competitors from rival teams.
Mexico Grand Prix Collision
Hamilton and Leclerc collided on the opening lap of last weekend’s race in Mexico, with both drivers going off track at Turn 4. The incident handed Max Verstappen an opportunity to secure the win and deprived Ferrari of a potential 1-2 finish, leaving the duo to cross the line in second and fourth place.
Hamilton expressed anger over the aggressiveness of Leclerc’s opening-lap defense, which allowed the Monegasque driver to stay ahead after cutting the track at Turn 4. Leclerc received a five-second penalty for gaining a lasting advantage, with mitigation reducing the punishment from an initial 10 seconds.
Team Dynamics and Previous Encounters
The clash in Mexico reinforced existing perceptions that Leclerc races his teammate harder than other rivals. This followed the Singapore Grand Prix, where Leclerc lifted off the throttle at the start despite being positioned fully on the inside of polesitter Max Verstappen. Leclerc subsequently raced Verstappen aggressively at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, executing an overtake around the outside of the Esses.
When asked if he noticed Leclerc racing him differently than other competitors, Hamilton told Autosport.com, “Yes. I see what you see. In Singapore, he was fully on the inside into Turn 1, he had won the lead, and he backed off. It was definitely different.” Hamilton added that similar patterns occurred during his time alongside previous teammates Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz.
Upcoming Discussions and Team Response
Following the emotional aftermath of the race, Hamilton called for meetings to clarify team protocols and warned of potential major issues for the squad. Autosport.com understands that team principal Fred Vasseur held brief, separate discussions with both drivers after concluding that the Mexico incidents demonstrated a lack of respect for the team’s 2,000 employees.
With Vasseur traveling back to Europe between races and Leclerc spending time with family following the birth of his daughter, Hamilton looks forward to further dialogue with Leclerc and their team boss in Sao Paulo on Friday. “Naturally I was frustrated, and I’m still frustrated,” Hamilton told Autosport.com regarding his perspective after cooling-off time. “So, conversations need to be had. We will have those when the time permits.”
Hamilton also faced criticism for publicly lobbying for a harsher penalty for his teammate than the five-second stop, noting that cutting the track provided a massive advantage at a venue where overtaking was exceptionally difficult. However, the 41-year-old stated that he will not be silenced, explaining that comments made immediately after driving at 200 mph with an elevated heart rate reflect in-the-moment authenticity rather than calculated media strategies.
