Hamilton says outspoken style has made settling at Ferrari harder

Speaking in Brazil, Lewis Hamilton said his outspoken style and persistent push for changes had made it harder to settle at Ferrari. Asked whether Charles Leclerc’s long-standing place at the team made that more difficult, Hamilton said he had always known it would be a challenge.

Hamilton said Leclerc had been with Ferrari for eight years and had nine wins with the team, describing him as deeply embedded there. Hamilton joined Ferrari at the start of the 2025 season. He said he had always respected Leclerc’s position and had worked to bridge the gap and build a harmonious relationship.

The comments followed the pair’s opening-lap clash at last weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix. Leclerc tried to pass Hamilton, who had started from pole, and both drivers ran off track. Hamilton dropped from first to third behind Max Verstappen as a result, while Leclerc was handed a five-second penalty. Hamilton called for serious talks within Ferrari after the race.

Hamilton said he would keep pushing for further changes. He added that winning requires working with everyone around him and that he, too, has to be pushed to improve. He believes Ferrari can fight for the championship next year.