Tensions within Ferrari escalated following the Mexico City Grand Prix, where an opening-lap incident between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc compromised the team’s performance. The clash, which occurred on Sunday, November 1, 2026, saw both drivers run wide, ultimately costing Ferrari a potential one-two finish.
Hamilton, who started from pole position, was challenged by Leclerc into Turn 4. Both drivers went off track, with Leclerc gaining the lead by cutting the corner. Hamilton subsequently lost second place to Max Verstappen.
Leclerc received a five-second time penalty for gaining an advantage by going off track. Verstappen went on to win the race, with Hamilton finishing second and Leclerc fourth.
Hamilton expressed significant frustration over team radio, stating he was ‘pushed out by my own teammate.’ He later accused Leclerc of a ‘do or die’ mentality and ‘working against him.’
The seven-time world champion also commented that Ferrari had ‘big, big problems’ and that the race was lost in the first few corners due to a lack of teamwork. He called for ‘serious talks’ within the team.
Leclerc acknowledged that the five-second penalty was ‘deserved in a way.’ He explained that the situation was confusing as both cars missed Turn 4, and Verstappen’s presence complicated his intention to return the position.
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur openly criticized both drivers post-race. He accused them of a ‘lack of respect’ for the team, the brand, and the staff working at Maranello.
Vasseur stated it was ‘difficult to digest’ throwing away a potential victory, especially after the team’s recent performance improvements. He confirmed plans to discuss the incident with both drivers before the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.
Former world champion Nico Rosberg urged Vasseur to intervene and establish clear ‘racing guidelines.’ Rosberg, drawing on his own experience with Hamilton, suggested Leclerc was primarily at fault in this and previous incidents.
“Really Fred Vasseur, he needs to start to act. 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.”
This Mexico City incident was not the first instance of on-track friction between the Ferrari teammates in 2026. An ‘awkward moment’ also occurred at the Italian Grand Prix earlier in the season.
At Monza, Hamilton attempted an overtake on Leclerc at Turn 1, resulting in Leclerc pushing Hamilton wide at Turn 2 and into the gravel. This earlier event had already prompted discussions about team orders.
Ferrari has shown performance gains throughout the 2026 season, with both Hamilton and Leclerc securing podium finishes. Hamilton notably achieved a victory in Barcelona.
Despite Ferrari’s progress, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured the 2026 World Championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Hamilton is contracted with Ferrari through at least the 2027 season, while Leclerc signed a long-term extension earlier in 2026.
