Nico Rosberg, a Sky Sports F1 pundit, has publicly altered his initial assessment of the opening-lap incident involving Ferrari teammates Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix. Rosberg initially questioned the consistent blame placed on Leclerc in such scenarios.
However, after reviewing race footage with broadcast colleagues, the 2016 World Champion concluded that Leclerc’s actions warranted a penalty. This shift in perspective followed a contentious start to the race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
The Mexico City Grand Prix, held on November 1, 2026, saw Max Verstappen secure victory. Lewis Hamilton finished second for Ferrari, while Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli claimed third place, securing his maiden Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship.
Antonelli, at 20 years, two months, and seven days old, became the youngest F1 world champion in history. He achieved this milestone with 380 points, holding a 119-point lead over Verstappen with four races remaining.
The incident between Hamilton and Leclerc unfolded on the first lap at Turns 4 and 5. Hamilton, starting from pole position, battled Leclerc, who began the race in third.
Leclerc attempted an overtake around the outside of Turn 4, resulting in both Ferrari cars running wide and off the track. Leclerc rejoined the circuit in the lead, while Hamilton lost position to Verstappen.
Hamilton immediately voiced his frustration over team radio, stating he was “pushed out by my own team-mate.” He later described Leclerc’s approach as a “do or die” mentality.
Race stewards subsequently issued Leclerc a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage. This decision, however, drew criticism from Hamilton.
Hamilton argued that a 10-second penalty is typically applied for such infringements and that the five-second sanction was insufficient, particularly as Leclerc benefited from running in clean air.
The FIA stewards clarified their decision, explaining that the reduced penalty was due to mitigating circumstances. Both drivers entered Turn 4 with excessive speed, and Hamilton also failed to remain within track limits.
Leclerc acknowledged that the penalty was “deserved” but noted the confusing nature of the situation, particularly with Verstappen also passing Hamilton during the skirmish.
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur reportedly accused both drivers of a “lack of respect” for the team’s interests following the incident.
Rosberg’s initial commentary on Sky Sports F1 suggested a pattern, stating: “Interestingly, it’s always Charles’ fault, isn’t it? It’s never Lewis’s fault. In the last couple of times, in Monza it was Charles, here it was Charles…”
His revised verdict, delivered after further analysis, concluded: “Leclerc was a bit too aggressive there, I’d have to say.” He added that Leclerc “braked way too late” and deserved a five-second penalty.
Rosberg also called for Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur to intervene and establish clear rules of engagement between the two drivers.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit, located over 2200 metres above sea level, is known for its thin air, which significantly impacts car performance and grip. The 4.304-kilometre track features 17 turns.
Prior to the race, the FIA had issued a warning to drivers regarding corner-cutting at the start of the Mexican Grand Prix, indicating that penalties would be enforced for gaining an advantage by leaving the track.
