Leclerc says Verstappen's position complicated Mexico GP lead decision

Charles Leclerc kept the lead after cutting Turn 5 in his opening-lap fight with Lewis Hamilton at the Mexico City Grand Prix. After the race, he said Max Verstappen's position between the Ferrari drivers and unclear feedback from his team made the decision more confusing. Leclerc said he had asked what to do but stayed ahead expecting a penalty; he received five seconds for the infringement.

Leclerc attacked Hamilton around the outside at Turn 4 and was ahead at the apex. Both cars went deep and fully off track; Leclerc said he and Hamilton both tried to brake very late. Hamilton rejoined behind Verstappen, while Leclerc stayed in front. Returning the place to Hamilton would also have cost Leclerc a position to Verstappen.

Hamilton repeatedly protested over team radio, arguing that Leclerc had clean air and should return the place. He said the stewards were effectively handing Leclerc the win.

Verstappen later took the lead during the pit stops. Leclerc's stop was 6.3 seconds longer than Verstappen's, with 1.3 seconds not accounted for by the penalty. Leclerc finished fourth, his sixth consecutive top-four finish.