Nico Rosberg has called for Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur to implement firm action following an opening-lap collision between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, November 1, saw both Ferrari drivers compromise their race, ultimately costing the team a potential victory.
Hamilton, starting from pole position at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, was challenged by teammate Leclerc on the long run to Turn 1. Leclerc utilized the slipstream to draw alongside.
The Monegasque driver then attempted an overtake around the outside into Turn 4. Both cars ran wide, with Leclerc cutting across the grass and rejoining ahead of Hamilton.
This maneuver allowed Max Verstappen to capitalize, moving his Red Bull between the two Ferraris and dropping Hamilton to third place.
Race stewards subsequently issued Leclerc a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage.
Hamilton expressed significant frustration over team radio, stating he was ‘p*ed off’ and that his teammate had ‘worked against him.’
He questioned the stewards’ decision, arguing it effectively handed Leclerc the win and noting he received a ten-second penalty for a similar incident in 2025.
Hamilton called for ‘serious talks’ behind the scenes at Ferrari to address the situation.
Leclerc acknowledged cutting the track and anticipating a penalty, but stated the situation became complicated after Verstappen intervened.
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur criticized the team’s failure to convert pole position into a victory. He described the lost opportunity as a ‘lack of respect’ for the team and its 2,000 employees.
Vasseur refused to solely blame Leclerc, noting Hamilton also ran wide. He emphasized that both drivers must prioritize the team’s collective interests.
Rosberg, a 2016 world champion, stated on Sky F1 that Vasseur needs to take a ‘firmer hand’ with his drivers.
‘Really Fred Vasseur, he needs to start to act,’ Rosberg told Sky F1. ‘Once again, as Lewis said before the race, there was no discussion, like clear racing guidelines between the two. It needs to happen otherwise it’s just going to keep going like this.’
Rosberg suggested Leclerc initiated the aggressive contact in Turns 2 and 3 by not holding his racing line.
He had previously commented in September 2026 that Ferrari could not realistically prioritize either Hamilton or Leclerc in the championship.
Rosberg noted that ongoing clashes between the Ferrari drivers were costing the team performance and valuable championship points.
The Mexican Grand Prix ultimately saw Max Verstappen secure the win. Hamilton finished second, 0.799 seconds behind.
Leclerc finished fourth after his penalty and a subsequent lock-up at the standing restart.
Kimi Antonelli secured the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship by finishing third in the race.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit, known for its 4.304 km length and 17 turns, presents unique challenges due to its high altitude.
Vasseur had previously stressed the importance of Hamilton and Leclerc racing ‘together’ and professionally to achieve a Ferrari one-two.
