Ferrari face internal tensions after Hamilton and Leclerc clash in Mexico

Ferrari are facing difficult conversations behind the scenes after Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc's opening-lap battle at the Mexico City Grand Prix cost the team a potential one-two finish.

The incident occurred at Turn 4, where both drivers ran wide while fighting for position. Leclerc cut across the track to take the lead and was subsequently handed a five-second penalty, while Max Verstappen capitalised on the disruption to move ahead of Hamilton and eventually win the race. Hamilton finished second, with Leclerc fourth.

Team principal Fred Vasseur made his frustration clear after the race, calling for greater respect towards the team and the 2,000 people working behind the scenes at Maranello.

“It's a matter of respect,” Vasseur said, adding that Ferrari had been in a position to win but had failed to convert its opportunity. He also confirmed that discussions with both drivers would follow.

Hamilton has since admitted that he remains frustrated and believes face-to-face conversations are necessary. Speaking ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion said Ferrari could easily have secured a one-two in Mexico and must ensure the situation does not happen again.

He also suggested that Leclerc races him more aggressively than other drivers, answering “yes” when asked directly about the issue. The Briton added that he was not prepared to apologise for speaking openly about his frustrations.

Leclerc, meanwhile, has defended his approach, insisting that he always attacks when racing and has no intention of changing his mentality.

Ferrari chairman John Elkann is also reportedly unhappy with the incident, although his reaction has not been confirmed through a direct public statement.

With the Sao Paulo Grand Prix next on the calendar, Ferrari must now find a way to manage the relationship between its drivers. Their recent improvement in performance has given them a genuine opportunity to challenge at the front, but another internal dispute could prove costly.