"Serious talks": Hamilton says Leclerc battle cost Ferrari victory in Mexico

Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari “easily had a car to have P1 and P2” at the Mexico City Grand Prix, but an opening-lap fight with Charles Leclerc cost the team victory. Hamilton had taken his first Grand Prix pole for Ferrari, then led the run to Turn 1. Leclerc challenged around the outside and both went off at Turn 4; Hamilton rejoined immediately, while Leclerc crossed the grass and emerged ahead.

Why it matters:

The incident turned a front-row lockout into internal friction. Hamilton lost momentum and a place to eventual winner Max Verstappen, while Leclerc’s five-second penalty—mild because Hamilton also left the track—still shaped the race. Hamilton recovered to finish second but made clear the outcome was avoidable.

The details:

• Hamilton said the move was discussed in the drivers’ briefing and that he got a 10-second penalty for a similar action last year.
• He argued Ferrari could have worked together for a P1-P2 and said “serious talks” are needed behind closed doors.
• The pair have already clashed this season, including in China and at Monza, where Leclerc apologised for pushing Hamilton off.
• Hamilton stressed that every in-car decision affects the wider team and that teamwork is part of their contract.

What’s next:

Hamilton wants a deep, honest conversation before the next race, warning unresolved infighting will keep costing Ferrari. With a car capable of winning, how the pair manage their rivalry could define the rest of their campaign.