Formula 1 analyst Peter Windsor has voiced strong criticism regarding Charles Leclerc’s aggressive driving style and Frédéric Vasseur’s team management at Ferrari. Windsor’s comments follow recent incidents, notably the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix, where Leclerc’s on-track conduct drew scrutiny.
During the Mexico City Grand Prix, Leclerc received a five-second time penalty. This was for passing teammate Lewis Hamilton off-track during an opening lap battle for the lead.
Both Ferrari drivers went wide in Turn 4, with Leclerc subsequently cutting the corner at Turn 5 to gain position. Hamilton expressed significant frustration over team radio, stating he was “pushed out by my own teammate.”
Hamilton further argued that the stewards were “basically handing Charles this win” despite the penalty. Leclerc acknowledged the penalty was “deserved in a way” but noted the confusion as both cars went off track.
Max Verstappen capitalised on the Ferrari duo’s battle, moving into second place and ultimately securing the race victory. Leclerc finished fourth in the race, while Hamilton secured second position.
The FIA stewards reduced the penalty from a standard 10 seconds to five seconds. This decision was based on mitigating factors, including Hamilton also going off track and the incident occurring early in the race.
Windsor asserts that Leclerc has a long-standing tendency for overly aggressive driving. He described Leclerc as “the hardest guy to overtake” in Formula 1.
The analyst referenced a past incident between Leclerc and Max Verstappen at the Spanish Grand Prix. During a Safety Car restart, Verstappen lost traction in Turn 14, leading to contact as Leclerc overtook.
Stewards investigated the Barcelona incident but took “no further action,” concluding neither driver was wholly to blame. Verstappen had stated Leclerc “just rammed into me” over the radio.
Leclerc, however, maintained it was “just racing” and that Verstappen had attempted to “squeeze” him. Leclerc ultimately finished that race in third place.
Windsor also criticised Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur for failing to provide clear pre-race instructions. This was particularly pertinent given the tyre differences between Leclerc and Hamilton in Mexico.
He suggested Vasseur should have contacted Ferrari President John Elkann if he lacked the authority to implement team orders. Vasseur has previously indicated that team orders might be necessary to prioritise the Constructors’ Championship in 2026.
Lewis Hamilton had previously called for “rules of engagement” at Ferrari following a separate clash with Leclerc at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix. Vasseur confirmed that discussions regarding team orders would take place after that incident.
Vasseur stated that “for a team, for sure, it’s never good to lose points.” Windsor believes the “chaos” within Ferrari was predictable, especially with two high-profile drivers.
Windsor maintains that Hamilton should have anticipated Leclerc’s aggressive nature upon joining Ferrari. He also noted Ferrari’s historical challenges with internal management.
