Tensions within the Ferrari team escalated following the Mexico City Grand Prix, where an on-track incident between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc compromised the Scuderia’s race outcome. The event has intensified scrutiny on team principal Fred Vasseur’s management of the driver pairing. Ferrari had a strong opportunity for a significant points haul in Mexico.
Hamilton started from pole position, his first for Ferrari, with Leclerc in third place. Max Verstappen began the race from second on the grid. On the opening lap, Leclerc attempted an overtake on Hamilton around the outside at Turn 4. Both drivers failed to make the corner.
Leclerc cut across the grass, emerging ahead of Hamilton, while Verstappen moved between the two Ferraris. Leclerc subsequently received a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage by leaving the track. He maintained the lead until his pit stop.
Verstappen capitalized on the situation, ultimately winning the Mexico City Grand Prix. Hamilton finished the race in second position. Leclerc, after serving his penalty, was classified fourth. This sequence of events prevented Ferrari from securing a potential one-two finish.
Hamilton expressed frustration regarding the incident, questioning Leclerc’s racing approach. He stated, “The guy is 28 years old, so I don’t think it’s an age thing. It’s like do or die, either I win, or none of us do.” Hamilton also stressed the team’s collective responsibilities.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, struggled to conceal his disappointment. He highlighted the efforts of the factory staff who had delivered performance improvements. Vasseur emphasized the importance of respect for the Ferrari brand, its sponsors, and the team’s 2,000 employees.
I think it’s just a matter of respect. The respect for the brand, for the sponsors, for the team, for the 2,000 people working at home like hell.
Leclerc offered a different perspective, accepting his penalty but suggesting Hamilton also contributed to the Turn 4 incident. He explained that he broke as late as possible, as did Hamilton, resulting in both missing the corner.
Leclerc also noted that after Verstappen overtook Hamilton, the situation became confusing. He inquired on the radio about returning the position but maintained his track position. Vasseur held a team meeting post-race, stressing adherence to pre-race strategies.
The Mexico City incident was not isolated. Tensions between the drivers had been evident throughout the 2026 season. At the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Hamilton was reportedly frustrated when Leclerc was not moved aside despite Hamilton having a tyre advantage.
The rivalry became physical at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, where Leclerc forced Hamilton wide at the opening chicane. While the drivers later discussed the matter, Hamilton’s request for written rules of engagement remained unaddressed.
Strategic frustrations also emerged at the Singapore Grand Prix, although Hamilton acknowledged his own unsuccessful tyre gamble there. Former Italian Grand Prix winner Riccardo Patrese had previously warned Ferrari after Zandvoort about the need for a clear number one driver.
Patrese argued that establishing Hamilton as the lead driver was crucial for a World Championship challenge. Ferrari, however, continued to allow its drivers to compete without a defined hierarchy. This approach has now incurred a substantial cost.
Italian media reacted strongly to the Mexico City events. La Gazzetta dello Sport reported “Caos Ferrari,” detailing Hamilton’s accusations and Vasseur’s public criticism. The publication also described Ferrari as divided, with the season-long rivalry escalating into open hostility.
Corriere della Sera characterized the post-race debrief as exceptionally tense, filled with “veleni,” or poison. It questioned whether Ferrari’s celebrated driver pairing was nearing implosion due to fragile trust. Tuttosport focused on Hamilton’s severe criticism of Leclerc’s mentality.
The Italian press questioned why Ferrari had allowed the rivalry to reach this critical point. Vasseur’s leadership has faced scrutiny from leading Italian newspapers since Ferrari’s 2025 campaign, and the Mexico incident has revived these concerns.
Ferrari president John Elkann is reportedly irritated by the latest confrontation, which risks becoming another damaging public controversy for the Scuderia. The team remains second in the Constructors’ Championship with 495 points, behind Red Bull’s 580 points.
Mercedes is third with 450 points, narrowing the gap to Ferrari. The lost points in Mexico further widened the deficit to Red Bull. The situation contrasts with Kimi Antonelli’s recent success.
Antonelli secured the 2026 F1 World Championship with Mercedes at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. This marked Italy’s first F1 title since Alberto Ascari in 1953. Mercedes effectively managed the relationship between Antonelli and George Russell.
While Italy celebrated Antonelli’s championship, Ferrari was addressing another missed opportunity. Brazil now represents a critical juncture for Vasseur to establish clear boundaries between Hamilton and Leclerc to prevent further internal conflict.
