Vasseur says Ferrari drivers had to give a place back themselves in Mexico

Ferrari's drivers had agreed before the Mexico City Grand Prix to give a position back themselves before Turn 11 when required, Fred Vasseur said after Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc's opening-lap battle. He called the issue a matter of respect and said the circuit layout was no excuse.

Hamilton, starting from pole, held the lead on the run to Turn 1 as Leclerc moved from third to second by passing George Russell. Both Ferraris then ran wide at Turn 4: Leclerc cut across the grass and took the lead, while Hamilton rejoined with lost momentum and was passed by Max Verstappen. Leclerc later received a five-second penalty, and Verstappen took the lead at Leclerc's pit stop.

Leclerc had blamed the circuit layout. Vasseur acknowledged that it made overtaking difficult and that similar problems had arisen in recent years, but said it could not excuse the incident. Asked whether Ferrari had discussed a first-lap plan based on which side of the track a driver occupied, Vasseur said that was not the point: the drivers were expected to return a place themselves under the rules.

Leclerc had wanted clearer direction from the pit wall. Vasseur said the call was difficult: Ferrari had spoken with race control, but the video lagged five seconds behind the live action, he said, meaning the cars were already at Turn 11.

Ferrari finished second and fourth, although Vasseur said its pace had been good enough for a one-two. He said the team would discuss the incident that night, address it the next day and then focus on São Paulo.