Hamilton says his respect for Ferrari remains high after Vasseur criticism

Lewis Hamilton answered Fred Vasseur’s criticism of the first-lap clash with Charles Leclerc at the Mexico City Grand Prix by insisting his respect for Ferrari had always been at its highest. “I think my respect has always been the highest for my team,” he said ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix.

Hamilton said he and the team had spoken, but not in depth. A fuller discussion was likely delayed in large part by Leclerc’s return to Europe for the birth of his daughter.

Vasseur had described the clash as a lack of respect for Ferrari and the people who work for it. Hamilton and Leclerc emerged from the opening sequence in first and second before Leclerc attacked into Turn 4. Vasseur said he had not singled out either driver, wanted to speak to both and noted that Hamilton had also run very wide.

Hamilton said he understood his responsibility to Ferrari, praised the factory staff and was doing his utmost to push the team forward.