Leclerc: Hamilton's driving 'very much on the limit' in Mexico GP clash

Charles Leclerc has defended his aggressive Turn 4 move on Lewis Hamilton at the start of the Mexico City Grand Prix, insisting Hamilton’s driving was “very much on the limit” as the two Ferrari teammates battled for the lead.

Why it matters:

The incident cost Ferrari a likely victory and highlighted the fine margins in wheel-to-wheel combat. With Hamilton calling for “serious talks” behind the scenes, the intra-team dynamic could become a talking point as the season reaches its climax.

The details:

• Leclerc attacked polesitter Hamilton at Turn 4 on the opening lap. Both braked late, ran wide, and Leclerc cut the track to rejoin ahead.
• The stewards handed Leclerc a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage. Hamilton lost second place to Max Verstappen, who went on to win.
• Hamilton said the incident cost Ferrari the win. Leclerc responded: “I felt like it was very much on the limit also what he did.”
• Leclerc revealed he received no clear guidance from the team on whether to hand the position back. He expected a penalty and served it at his pit stop.
• He downplayed the clash: “We both made a mistake going into Turn 4. It’s not like we had contact. I don’t think it should be that much of a talking point.”

What's next:

Leclerc expects a conversation with Hamilton and the team before the next race. He also reiterated that the only real solution is to change track layouts to eliminate grey areas like Turn 4, where a wall at the exit would force drivers to brake earlier. The drivers discussed the issue in Friday’s briefing, and Leclerc believes track modifications are necessary to avoid similar controversies.