Hamilton urges Ferrari to learn from Mexico City first-lap fight

In a follow-up social-media post after the Mexico City Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton urged Ferrari to learn from his first-lap battle with Charles Leclerc, describing the lost chance to fight for victory as “incredibly frustrating.”

Hamilton and Leclerc came through the opening sequence of corners at the front. Leclerc attacked at Turn 4; both cars ran wide and left the track. Leclerc cut the corner, and Hamilton lost momentum. Max Verstappen took second from Hamilton. Leclerc received a five-second penalty, which handed Verstappen the lead during the pit-stop phase. Hamilton finished second behind him.

Hamilton said Ferrari's mechanics and engineers had done an excellent job through a challenging weekend, and that the team's progress had required a major collective effort. That made the lost chance hurt more, he said. He called for honest reflection and learning when a battle between the drivers costs the team.

He also congratulated Kimi Antonelli on becoming Formula 1's new drivers' champion, describing the chance to follow Antonelli's journey and celebrate with him as a highlight of his year. Hamilton said his belief in Ferrari had not changed and that he would keep giving everything for the team.