Hamilton and Leclerc collide at Mexico Grand Prix

Ferrari collision in Mexico

Hamilton and Leclerc collided on lap one at Turn 4 during last weekend’s Mexico Grand Prix, an incident that allowed Max Verstappen to snatch the win and cost Ferrari a potential 1-2 finish. Hamilton finished second and Leclerc finished fourth after the contact. Leclerc received a five-second penalty for gaining a lasting advantage after officials reduced a ten-second penalty. Hamilton claims Leclerc races him harder than other F1 rivals. He noted that the Monegasque driver backed off at the start of the Singapore Grand Prix despite being on the inside of polesitter Max Verstappen. This behavior differed from his performance at the subsequent US Grand Prix in Austin, where Leclerc raced the Dutchman hard to overtake him around the outside of the Esses. Hamilton also noted that he experienced similar racing styles with former teammates Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz. Hamilton criticized the five-second penalty given to Leclerc because the advantage gained by cutting the track at Turn 4 was much larger than the penalty allowed on a circuit where overtaking proves extremely difficult. Hamilton maintained his frustration because the incident prevented the team from maximizing their performance during a period where they have scored more points than any other team in the last three or four races.

Team discussions and driver reaction

Fred Vasseur spoke to both drivers separately after the race because he felt the Mexico clash showed a lack of respect toward the 2000 staff members at Ferrari. Hamilton demanded talks to clarify rules of engagement and warned of "big problems" for the squad. Hamilton maintains that further talks are necessary, though Vasseur has traveled back to Europe and Leclerc is spending time with his family following the birth of his daughter. The 41-year-old rejected accusations that his media comments were calculated, as his heart rate hits 170 while driving 200 miles an hour. He said: "I’m not gonna be apologetic for being authentic and real." Hamilton also stated that he will not be silenced and will not apologize for his behavior. He added that he did not receive any requests from the team to remain quiet and that he simply says how he feels in the moment. He also dismissed claims that his reactions are anything other than genuine. He said he does not have time to think about what the media will write when he is driving at such speeds. Hamilton believes the team must work to ensure they do not miss more opportunities to secure a one-two finish.