Hamilton calls for Ferrari talks after Leclerc clash costs Mexico win

Lewis Hamilton has urged Ferrari to hold “serious talks” after Charles Leclerc’s Turn 4 move cost him a potential Mexico City Grand Prix win. Hamilton started from his first Ferrari pole but finished second to Max Verstappen, while Leclerc took a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage.

Why it matters:

Ferrari had the pace to win, but the clash exposed how costly in-team friction can be. Hamilton felt the penalty was too lenient because Leclerc could run in clean air while he lost the lead and track position.

The details:

• Hamilton led into the opening chicane as Leclerc took second, capitalising on George Russell slowing before Turn 1.
• Leclerc attacked around the outside at Turn 4; both Ferraris left the track, Leclerc cut across the grass to lead, and Hamilton’s wide line let Verstappen into second.
• The stewards gave Leclerc five seconds. Hamilton argued it should have been a position swap: “He’s got clean air... Should just give the positions back.”
• Leclerc served the penalty in the pits and rejoined behind Verstappen, but had enough margin to remain net second.
• After Valtteri Bottas’s Turn 1 crash triggered a standing restart, Hamilton out-launched Leclerc to reclaim the lead Ferrari, but could not pass Verstappen, finishing eight tenths adrift.
• Hamilton said drivers had been told to give positions back after going off at Turn 1, and noted he got a 10-second penalty for a similar move last year.

What's next:

Hamilton called it a “good result” with Ferrari improving and running an older engine, but made clear the internal conversation is not over. Ferrari must now ensure its drivers race each other cleanly if they are to turn this pace into wins.