Tensions are boiling over at Ferrari following a dramatic Mexico City Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton calling for “serious talks” within the team after a controversial opening-lap collision with teammate Charles Leclerc.
While the race saw Max Verstappen take the checkered flag, the post-race narrative was dominated by the internal friction between the two Ferrari drivers. On the very first lap, Leclerc went wide at Turn 4, running onto the grass before cutting the chicane. He emerged from the maneuver ahead of Hamilton, an action that triggered a five-second penalty for the Monegasque driver. However, for Hamilton, the penalty provided little consolation for what he believes was a race-defining mistake that stripped him of a potential victory.
Speaking to former teammate Nico Rosberg in the post-race paddock, a clearly frustrated Hamilton did not mince words regarding the incident. “Tough day. I think we had the pace to win today, but it wasn’t meant to be, and we’ll take it offline and figure out what we can do in the background,” Hamilton said.
The seven-time world champion pointed to the inconsistency of stewarding and internal team discipline, referencing previous briefings where the requirement to return a position after going off-track was explicitly agreed upon. “In the drivers’ briefing, we discussed as soon as you go off in Turn 1, you have to give the position back. Last year I got a 10-second penalty for that same move that he did. Ultimately, it was that that lost us the win today. I think we have to have some serious talks behind the scenes, for sure.”
Despite his agitation, Hamilton acknowledged the significant strides Ferrari has made with their car’s performance. The team appeared strong throughout the weekend, and Hamilton noted that the positive momentum was achieved even while running an older specification engine. “The good thing is the team is working really hard. We’ve really improved our car. It’s great to be here… good results, good points. Shame we didn’t get a win, but some you win, some you lose.”
The day was also marked by a historic moment for the sport, as Kimi Antonelli officially clinched the F1 Drivers’ Championship. Hamilton, who had been competing against the 20-year-old for the title, displayed grace in defeat toward the driver who replaced him at Mercedes.
“Firstly, look at this crowd. We have to acknowledge them,” Hamilton said of the Mexico City atmosphere. “A huge congratulations to Kimi and the Mercedes team. It’s great to see them all up here celebrating their success. Youngest world champion ever, it’s pretty phenomenal, and I’m so grateful to be in the race to witness it.”
For now, the focus shifts to Maranello, where Ferrari’s leadership will face the difficult task of reconciling their two star drivers as the season draws to a close.
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