Brundle expects another Hamilton-Leclerc clash after Mexico

Martin Brundle expects Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to clash on track again, warning Ferrari that a promise to move on after their Mexico City fight will not prevent a repeat.

Leclerc attacked Hamilton at Turn 4 for the lead on the opening lap and cut the track. He received a five-second penalty. Max Verstappen got between the Ferraris, leaving Leclerc unable simply to return the place to Hamilton; Verstappen went on to win ahead of Hamilton.

Brundle acknowledged Verstappen was quick, but said the Ferrari fight cost Hamilton track position. He described the tension as part of F1: drivers are measured and rewarded as individuals even while racing for a team, and a gap can prove hard to ignore when adrenaline rises.

Hamilton and Leclerc had already fought for third in China; in Italy, a Leclerc attack at Turn 2 sent Hamilton wide and down the order on the opening lap. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur indicated he would speak with both drivers after the Mexico fight.