Lewis Hamilton has urged Ferrari to hold "serious talks behind closed doors" after a first-lap clash with teammate Charles Leclerc cost the team a potential victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The incident allowed Max Verstappen to take second place and ultimately win the race, while Kimi Antonelli finished third to become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.
Incident on First Lap
Leclerc cut the chicane at Turn 1 to take the lead from Hamilton, who then lost second place to Verstappen as a consequence. Hamilton said the move "ultimately lost us the win today" and revealed he had told the team over the radio during a red-flag period: "We've got big problems. Big, big problems."
Hamilton's Frustration
Hamilton argued that if the two Ferraris had worked together they could have controlled the race from a one-two position. "We could have easily had a one-two today. We had the pace to do so," he said. He added that the team lacks rules of engagement and that "something needs to change for sure."
Leclerc's Perspective
Leclerc acknowledged the contact but defended his decision to stay ahead and serve a five-second penalty rather than give the position back. "I felt it was worth it to keep the position and see what happened," he said. He also noted Hamilton pushed him off track at Turn 1, calling it "racing."
Team Principal's Reaction
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur expressed frustration, saying the incident was disappointing for the 2,000 people working on the project. He promised discussions would take place immediately: "We'll discuss tonight, we'll fix it tomorrow and then we'll be focused on the cycle."
Championship Implications
Verstappen capitalized on the Ferrari battle to secure the win, while Antonelli's third place sealed his historic title. The Mexico City clash is the latest in a series of tensions between Hamilton and Leclerc this season, including incidents at the Italian and Singapore Grands Prix.
