Hamilton Rejects Ferrari Turbo Theory After Mexico FP2 Stoppage

Lewis Hamilton has rejected the theory that Ferrari’s smaller turbocharger is giving it an edge in Mexico City, arguing the Scuderia is still losing time at the end of the straights. His verdict came after Charles Leclerc topped both Friday sessions while Hamilton’s FP2 ended early with an engine problem.

Why it matters:

Mexico’s 2,285m altitude, where air density is about 25% lower than at sea level, puts turbochargers under severe load. With the MGU-H removed for 2026, turbo lag is a bigger factor, so any turbo-size advantage would be valuable—even if Hamilton says the stopwatch does not show one.

The details:

• Ferrari’s smaller turbo was expected to shorten lag, but Hamilton said: 'I don't really agree on the turbo thing.' He added that Mercedes and Red Bull remain strong at the end of the straights, so the turbo is 'just not making a difference.'
• Hamilton estimates Ferrari still loses 'a good couple of tenths, two or three tenths' at straight ends, though he praised the car’s fundamental behaviour.
• Leclerc led FP1 and FP2. Hamilton was fourth in FP1 before his FP2 stoppage; he was told to stop, felt the car was strong until then, and estimated he lost three tenths.

What's next:

Ferrari will investigate the engine issue overnight. If it is contained, Hamilton believes the car can compete in qualifying, but he is wary of the step rivals find on Saturday. Mexico’s altitude test will be settled by pace and reliability, not turbo theory.