A Mexico City fight sparks serious talks: Lewis Hamilton says Ferrari need to address Charles Leclerc clash
Hamilton calls for private discussions
Hamilton said Ferrari “have to have some serious talks behind closed doors” after the team’s drivers fought during the Mexico City Grand Prix. The contest between Hamilton and Leclerc, the report says, cost Ferrari a chance at victory. During a red-flag period caused by a crash involving Valtteri Bottas’ Cadillac, Hamilton told his team over the radio: “We’ve got big problems. Big, big problems.”
Drivers clash in Turn One
Hamilton said Leclerc pushed him off track at Turn One. He added that, while he could be unhappy about it, “it is racing” and that such fighting was how it should be when drivers were competing for a win. The article describes the incident as the latest and arguably most serious in a series of tensions between the Ferrari teammates this season.
Previous team-order dispute
At the race before Mexico, Leclerc did not follow a team order to let Hamilton pass. The two drivers were on different strategies at the time. The latest clash added to the strain between the teammates as they fought for the race lead.
Verstappen capitalises in Mexico
Verstappen won the race, with Hamilton second and Kimi Antonelli third, according to the race report. However, the opening caption says Hamilton settled for third after taking his first pole position with Ferrari in Mexico, so the account gives conflicting positions for Hamilton. Verstappen said Ferrari were very fast but made things difficult for themselves by fighting each other, giving him the chance to capitalise. He added: “I mean, I take it, right?”
Key points
- Hamilton urged Ferrari to hold serious talks behind closed doors after his clash with Leclerc.
- The fight came after Leclerc ignored a team order at the previous race.
- Verstappen said Ferrari’s drivers’ battle helped him capitalise in Mexico.
- The report conflicts on Hamilton’s result: it says second in the race account and third in the opening caption.