Charles Leclerc has confirmed that discussions with Lewis Hamilton have concluded, stating “everything is settled” between the two Ferrari drivers. The talks were mandated by team principal Fred Vasseur following an on-track incident at the recent Mexico City Grand Prix.
The meeting took place in Sao Paulo on Thursday, November 5, ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend. This followed a period of tension after the Mexico City event, where Ferrari’s race strategy and driver conduct came under scrutiny.
During the Mexico City Grand Prix on November 1, Hamilton started from pole position. Leclerc, starting third, attempted to overtake Hamilton for the lead at Turn 4 on the opening lap.
Both drivers went off track during the manoeuvre. Leclerc received a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.
The incident allowed Max Verstappen to take the lead, which he converted into a race victory for Red Bull. Hamilton finished second for Ferrari, 0.799 seconds behind Verstappen.
Kimi Antonelli secured the 2026 World Championship by finishing third for Mercedes. Leclerc ultimately finished the Mexico City Grand Prix in fourth position.
Hamilton publicly called for “serious talks” after the race, accusing Leclerc of “working against” him and fighting more aggressively than against other competitors. Hamilton stated he was “still frustrated” as of Thursday.
Leclerc defended his right to challenge for the lead. Team principal Vasseur expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s collective failure to secure a win despite strong qualifying performance.
The scheduled discussions were delayed as Leclerc returned to Europe for the birth of his daughter after the Mexico City race. Vasseur ensured the meeting occurred upon Leclerc’s arrival in Sao Paulo.
Speaking to media on Friday, November 6, Leclerc offered limited details regarding the content of the talks. He indicated a desire to move past the incident and focus on the upcoming race weekend.
“Obviously, there have been a lot of things, probably too many things, said in the last week. We’ve spoken, I think everything is settled and I’m looking forward to the rest of the weekend now.”
Vasseur also declined to elaborate on the specifics of the private conversation. He reiterated Ferrari’s clear guidelines for driver conduct on track.
Vasseur emphasised that while drivers are competitors with a fighting spirit, they must maintain mutual respect. Crucially, they must prioritise the Ferrari brand, the team, and its personnel.
The team principal acknowledged the collective failure in Mexico, where Ferrari started 1-2 but did not win. He stressed that the brand’s interests must always come first.
“The conclusion of the meeting yesterday evening was clear that it was a clear reminder that the Ferrari is coming first, is coming first for the brand, for the employees, for the Tifosi, and this we have to keep it in mind.”
During Friday’s Free Practice 1 for the Brazilian Grand Prix, Ferrari reserve driver Dino Beganovic drove Leclerc’s car. Beganovic finished the session in 21st position.
Lando Norris set the fastest time in FP1 for McLaren, followed by Kimi Antonelli for Mercedes and Max Verstappen for Red Bull. Lewis Hamilton placed fourth for Ferrari.
Leclerc took over for Free Practice 2, where he reported significant difficulties with the car’s balance. He described it as “one of the worst feelings” he had experienced in the car this season.
Kimi Antonelli topped the FP2 session for Mercedes with a time of 1:10.763. Lando Norris was second for McLaren, 0.253 seconds behind.
Max Verstappen finished third, followed by George Russell in fourth and Oscar Piastri in fifth. Lewis Hamilton placed sixth for Ferrari.
Charles Leclerc finished FP2 in seventh position, 0.720 seconds off Antonelli’s pace. Gabriel Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar, and Oliver Bearman completed the top ten.
Leclerc indicated that significant changes would be made to his car setup overnight. He expressed hope for a performance improvement for the remainder of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.
