Leclerc admits Mexico penalty was deserved after Hamilton clash

Charles Leclerc admitted his five-second penalty for passing Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton off track on the opening lap in Mexico was deserved. The pair ran wide at Turn 4, and Leclerc rejoined ahead after cutting the grass. He kept the place partly because Max Verstappen had slipped between the Ferraris.

Why it matters:

The clash put Ferrari’s intra-team dynamics under scrutiny. Hamilton argued over radio that the penalty was ineffective because Leclerc could build a gap in clean air. The stewards cut the standard 10-second sanction to five, citing Hamilton also being off track and the early-race timing.

The details:

• Leclerc called the penalty “deserved” but admitted confusion: both drivers missed the corner, and Verstappen’s presence changed the calculus.
• He kept the position, believing it was worth it with a Red Bull in second.
• Hamilton reclaimed places after the restart and finished second; Leclerc settled for fourth on the road.
• Leclerc said the fight was normal racing, adding he could also have complained about Hamilton pushing him wide at Turn 1.

What’s next:

Leclerc said he would speak with Hamilton and the team. Ferrari left Mexico with talks pending and a 124-point lead over Red Bull in the fight for second in the constructors’ championship.