Lewis Hamilton ‘Still Annoyed’ by Charles Leclerc After Mexico GP Incident, Demands Teammate Discussion

Lewis Hamilton said Thursday he is still “annoyed” by his opening-race clash with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc at last weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix, telling reporters in São Paulo that the two Formula 1 drivers must hold a discussion when the championship returns to Europe, Ouest-France reported. The seven-time world champion said the Scuderia had the opportunity to win at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for the team that has driven its performance upward this season, but the incident instead handed victory to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

The confrontation unfolded in the first turns of Sunday’s race, where Hamilton started from pole position and Leclerc from third on the grid. The Ferrari teammates battled so aggressively that they narrowly avoided contact, briefly leaving the Mexico City track, with Hamilton venting his anger over team radio at Leclerc’s move. Leclerc seized the lead but was later hit with a five-second penalty. Verstappen took the checkered flag, Hamilton finished second, and Leclerc crossed in fourth, Le Figaro reported.

Hamilton Vows Team Talk Upon Return to Europe

Speaking at Interlagos ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, Hamilton made clear his frustration has not subsided. “I was obviously annoyed and I still am,” he said, according to Ouest-France. “We need to have a discussion and we will in due time when we return to Europe.”

Hamilton, 41, who won his first championship with McLaren and six with Mercedes before joining Ferrari in 2025, added: “We had the opportunity to win for the team that did an incredible job pulling us up this year.” He has previously cited “big problems” within the Scuderia and requested a meeting with Leclerc and team principal Frédéric Vasseur, Le Figaro reported. Leclerc was absent from Thursday’s media sessions in São Paulo due to the birth of his daughter, Ouest-France noted.

Leclerc More Aggressive With Hamilton, Champion Claims

Asked whether Leclerc — who has described Ferrari as his “second family” — races more aggressively against Hamilton than against rivals from Mercedes, Red Bull or McLaren, the Briton answered “yes,” Ouest-France reported. “I see the same thing as you,” he said. “If you look at his teammates, it was the same with Sebastian Vettel and with Carlos Sainz.”

The observation points to a recurring pattern with the Monegasque driver’s former Ferrari teammates, both of whom Hamilton says experienced similar on-track treatment, Le Figaro reported.

Vasseur Expresses Annoyance Over Mexico Incident

Team principal Frédéric Vasseur appeared to rebuke Leclerc publicly after the Mexico race, expressing his “annoyance” toward the driver and for the “2,000 people who work” at Ferrari F1, Ouest-France reported. “I will need time to digest all this,” Vasseur said, according to Le Figaro.

Ferrari’s remarks reveal deep internal strain as the team trails Mercedes by 126 points in the constructors’ championship, with the German squad effectively locked in for the title. In the drivers’ standings, Hamilton is third, two points behind Verstappen, while Leclerc is fifth. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was crowned world champion on Sunday, the reports noted.

FAQ: Understanding the Hamilton-Leclerc Mexico GP Fallout

During the opening laps at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, the Ferrari teammates battled, went off track, and Leclerc took the lead. He was later penalized five seconds, allowing Max Verstappen to win while Hamilton finished second and Leclerc fourth.

In São Paulo, Hamilton said he was still annoyed by the incident and that he and Leclerc would discuss it when they return to Europe. He said he remains “annoyed” and that he and Leclerc will discuss the matter when they return to Europe after the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.

Hamilton claimed that Leclerc was more aggressive with him in races than with their competitors from Mercedes, Red Bull or McLaren. Yes. Hamilton said Leclerc is more aggressive with him than with competitors, and referenced similar experiences shared by former Ferrari teammates Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz.

Frédéric Vasseur expressed annoyance toward Leclerc and the 2,000 Ferrari employees, stating he needs time to process the incident.

Ferrari trails Mercedes by 126 points in the constructors’ standings. Hamilton sits third in the drivers’ championship, two points behind Max Verstappen, while Leclerc is fifth.

Hamilton said the discussion with Leclerc would take place when they return to Europe.

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