Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has criticised Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following their opening lap incident at the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix. The clash ultimately cost Ferrari a potential one-two finish at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, where Max Verstappen secured victory. Kimi Antonelli finished third, clinching the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.
Hamilton started the race from pole position, with Leclerc lining up in third. Leclerc advanced to second place on the initial run to Turn 1. The critical moment occurred at Turn 4 when Leclerc attempted an overtake on the outside of Hamilton. Both Ferrari drivers ran wide off the track.
Leclerc rejoined the circuit in the lead after cutting across the grass. Hamilton, also running wide, lost momentum and fell behind Verstappen. The stewards subsequently issued Leclerc a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.
The FIA stewards had issued a pre-race directive regarding Lap 1 incidents at Turns 1-4, specifying that any position gained by leaving the track in Turns 4-6 must be yielded by Turn 12. Their decision to impose a five-second penalty, rather than the standard ten seconds, was attributed to mitigating circumstances.
The stewards’ report indicated that both Hamilton and Leclerc entered Turn 4 with excessive speed. Neither car would have been able to negotiate the corner on track, as evidenced by Hamilton also running off.
Hamilton expressed his frustration over team radio during the race, stating he was “pushed out by my own team-mate.” He later claimed the stewards were “basically handing Charles this win” due to the clean air advantage Leclerc gained.
Post-race, Hamilton called for “serious talks” within Ferrari regarding the incident. He also suggested that Vasseur appeared “nervous” before the Grand Prix.
Leclerc acknowledged that the penalty was “deserved in a way.” He described the situation as confusing due to Verstappen’s presence between the two Ferraris after the incident. Leclerc maintained that when fighting for a win, he would always commit to a gap.
Vasseur conveyed significant disappointment, stating it was “difficult to digest” the outcome. He accused both drivers of a “lack of respect” for the Ferrari brand, its sponsors, and the 2,000 factory personnel working to improve the SF-26.
I think this is what means respect. They are not working for themselves. They are working for a group. They are working for a lot of sponsors. They are working for the 2,000 people of the company. That the guys, when we had to push for the upgrades, they were working night and day. And you have to keep this in mind.
The Team Principal highlighted Ferrari’s recent performance gains, noting that the team had been scoring more points than competitors in recent races. He stressed that having both cars running first and second at Turn 4 should have resulted in a victory.
Vasseur confirmed plans for discussions with both Hamilton and Leclerc to address their actions. He stated that the team would then focus on the upcoming Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
The final classification of the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix saw Max Verstappen win, followed by Lewis Hamilton in second. Kimi Antonelli secured third place, and Charles Leclerc finished fourth.
