Leclerc expects talks with Hamilton after Mexico GP battle

Charles Leclerc says he and Lewis Hamilton will discuss their opening-lap battle at the Mexico City Grand Prix after his Ferrari team-mate said the incident had cost the team victory.

After the race, Hamilton called for serious talks behind the scenes. Asked whether the drivers needed more rules between them, Leclerc said he did not know whether Hamilton was very unhappy with Leclerc’s move. He felt Hamilton’s own driving had also been close to the limit.

“I think he was maybe more angry with the whole situation,” Leclerc said, referring to the way the events at Turns 4 and 5 and the penalty were handled.

Leclerc attacked pole-sitter Hamilton at Turn 4, cut the track and emerged ahead. Max Verstappen moved past Hamilton for second. Leclerc received a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage; he served it at his pit stop, after which Verstappen emerged in front and went on to win.

Leclerc said both Ferrari drivers had braked late, missed the corner and made a mistake, adding that the cars did not make contact. The stewards found both had entered the corner with excessive speed, but ruled that Leclerc had not been entitled to the corner and had completed an overtake off the track.

During the race, Hamilton had called for Leclerc to give the place back. Leclerc said he asked the team what to do but received no clear feedback, and was unsure whether he should drop to second or third with Verstappen between the Ferraris. He kept the position while expecting a penalty, and said the issue would come up at the next briefing.