Hamilton Still Frustrated Over Ferrari Mexico Clash
Lewis Hamilton says he is still frustrated over the Ferrari Mexico clash with team-mate Charles Leclerc, and no talks have been held yet between the pair.
Hamilton spoke on Thursday in the Interlagos paddock, ahead of this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix. He said the conversation with Leclerc still needs to happen.
“I was frustrated and I am still frustrated,” Hamilton said. “Conversations need to be had so we will have those when the time permits.”
What happened in the Ferrari Mexico clash
The clash came on the opening lap in Mexico City on Sunday, November 1. Hamilton started on pole, but Leclerc attacked around the outside at Turn 4.
Both Ferraris ran off the track. Leclerc cut across the grass and took the lead, while Hamilton lost a place to Max Verstappen, who went on to win the race.
Hamilton finished second. Leclerc came home fourth after a five-second penalty for gaining a lasting advantage. The penalty was reduced from the usual ten seconds.
“We could easily have had a one-two (in Mexico) so we definitely have to work towards making sure that it doesn’t happen again,” Hamilton said.
Third-placed Kimi Antonelli sealed his first Formula 1 title in the same race.
Why no talks have happened yet
Hamilton said no discussion has taken place because team boss Fred Vasseur returned to Italy between the races. Leclerc went back to Europe to be with his family in Monaco after the birth of his first child, a daughter, this week.
Leclerc was due to arrive in Brazil on Friday and miss first practice. Vasseur planned to bring both drivers together on Friday.
“Fred’s been back in Europe at the team and Charles, obviously, is with his family,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton believes Leclerc races him harder than other drivers. Asked directly, he answered: “Yes.” He added: “I can’t say more.”
A pattern, not a one-off
The Mexico incident was not the first clash between the pair this season. At Monza in September, Hamilton was forced onto the gravel at the first chicane. Leclerc later apologised.
That history is why Hamilton wants the matter settled: a one-two finish was there in Mexico, and the clash turned it into second and fourth.
The standings add pressure. Hamilton sits third on 259 points, with Leclerc fifth on 245, so every point matters in the final rounds.
A 400th race in Brazil
Sunday’s race will be Hamilton’s 400th Grand Prix. He will become only the second driver to reach the mark, after Fernando Alonso, who contests his 430th race this weekend.
“It’s my 400th race which is kinda nuts,” Hamilton said. “I remember a point when I was embarking on 300 and everyone was like ‘once you get to 300 you can never win!’ And I won my 300th so I guess my goal will be to work on winning my 400th.”
Brazil holds special meaning for Hamilton: he won his first world title there in 2008.
Hamilton was clear he will not soften his approach. “I don’t really care how everyone feels about what I’ve said. I wear my heart on my sleeve when I say how I feel in the moment,” he said. “I’m never going to apologise for being authentic and real. I’m not going to be silenced.”
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Frequently asked questions
What happened between Hamilton and Leclerc in Mexico?
On the opening lap, Leclerc attacked Hamilton around the outside at Turn 4. Both Ferraris ran off track, Leclerc cut across the grass to take the lead, and Hamilton lost a place to Max Verstappen.
Why have Hamilton and Leclerc not spoken yet?
Team boss Fred Vasseur returned to Italy after Mexico, and Leclerc went to Monaco to be with his family after the birth of his first child. Vasseur planned to bring both drivers together on Friday in Brazil.
What penalty did Leclerc receive?
Leclerc received a five-second penalty for gaining a lasting advantage, reduced from the usual ten seconds. He finished fourth.
How many points do Hamilton and Leclerc have?
Hamilton is third in the standings on 259 points. Leclerc is fifth on 245 points.
Why is the Sao Paulo race special for Hamilton?
Sunday’s race will be his 400th Grand Prix, making him only the second driver to reach the mark after Fernando Alonso. He won his first world title in Brazil in 2008.
