A heated exchange followed the two drivers’ collision at the start of the Mexican Grand Prix. Hamilton accused his team-mate of putting personal ambition ahead of the team, while Leclerc defended his decision to fight for the position.
Ferrari’s hopes of ending another title-less season have been overshadowed by mounting tensions between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Their battle at the start of the Mexican Grand Prix ended with both drivers compromising their race and Max Verstappen benefiting from the clash.
The incident triggered a heated debriefing within the team on Sunday evening, as the relationship between the two drivers came under renewed scrutiny. Hamilton, who joined Ferrari in 2025, made clear that he was unhappy with Leclerc’s approach and called for clearer rules governing their on-track battles.
“It is hard to accept that your team-mate is working to make you lose,” Hamilton said. He argued that Ferrari had the pace to secure a one-two finish and warned that individual actions could have consequences for the entire team.
The seven-time world champion also questioned Leclerc’s attitude, suggesting that the Monegasque driver was unwilling to put the team’s interests ahead of his own. Referring to Leclerc’s previous battles with Carlos Sainz, Hamilton said: “They were fighting while others were winning.”
Hamilton added that the issue needed to be addressed seriously to prevent similar incidents in future races. He said he had already called for clearer rules after the Italian Grand Prix, but that no effective solution had yet been introduced.
Leclerc, however, defended his decision to attack. Starting third in Mexico, he said he had seen an opportunity to challenge for the lead and had no reason to hold back.
“Neither of us made the corner. We both braked too late,” he said, adding that he could also have complained about Hamilton pushing him wide at the first turn. “When you are fighting for first place, that is how it should be.”
Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur now faces the task of restoring order between the drivers. He said the team would discuss the incident, stressing that both drivers must show respect for Ferrari and the 2,000 people working for the organisation.
The latest dispute has added to the pressure on a partnership that was expected to deliver major success. With only two victories and two pole positions across their first two seasons together, Ferrari’s high-profile pairing is facing growing questions about its ability to work as a team.
Be First to Comment