Lewis Hamilton demanded Ferrari have some serious talks behind closed doors
after a first-lap clash with Charles Leclerc cost the team victory in the Mexico City Grand Prix, with Hamilton calling the internal conflict big, big problems.
The dispute between Ferrari’s two drivers escalated during the Mexico City Grand Prix, where Hamilton accused Leclerc of jeopardizing their chances of a one-two finish. Leclerc overtook Hamilton on the first lap by cutting a chicane, a move that allowed Max Verstappen to capitalize and win the race. Hamilton finished second, while Leclerc was penalized five seconds for the maneuver.
First-Lap Clash and Team Tensions
Hamilton and Leclerc collided on the first lap, with Leclerc taking the lead by cutting the chicane. This decision cost Hamilton second place to Verstappen, a result Hamilton linked to their battle. The incident added to tensions this season, including a similar clash at the Italian Grand Prix and a disagreement over team orders in Singapore.
Hamilton voiced frustration during a red-flag period caused by Valtteri Bottas’ crash, telling his team over radio: We've got big problems. Big, big problems.
He later stressed Ferrari needed to address the conflict, saying, We have to have some serious talks behind closed doors.
Leclerc Defends Move, Verstappen Benefits
Leclerc justified his actions, saying he would speak with Hamilton to resolve their differences. We both didn't make the corner,
he explained. I don't know if Lewis' point was for me to get P3, but having the Red Bull second, I felt it was worth it to keep the position and see what happened.
Verstappen, who won the race, said Ferrari’s internal issues helped him. Ferrari were really fast, I do think they made it a little bit difficult for themselves fighting each other and that’s why I was able to capitalise on that. I mean, I take it, right?
he said. Kimi Antonelli became the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history after finishing third.
Ferrari Faces Pressure to Fix Rivalry
Hamilton urged Ferrari to address the conflict “off the track” and behind the scenes.
He praised Antonelli’s achievement but reiterated concerns about Ferrari’s internal dynamics. The good thing is that the team is working very hard,
he said, and Ferrari have to have some serious talks behind the scenes going forward.
The incident highlights rising tensions within Ferrari, a team struggling to manage its drivers this season. With the championship still in play, the pressure on Ferrari to resolve these conflicts will grow in upcoming races.
“Ultimately, that lost us the win today,” Lewis Hamilton
.
“We’ve got big problems. Big, big problems.” Lewis Hamilton
.
The Mexico City Grand Prix highlighted the high stakes of Formula 1’s internal rivalries, with Ferrari’s performance hinging on its ability to manage tensions. As the season progresses, the team’s next moves will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.