Ralf Schumacher says Hamilton is putting himself above Ferrari

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has criticised Lewis Hamilton's public response to Ferrari's Mexico Grand Prix clash, arguing that the seven-time champion is placing himself above the team and acting more like a team principal than a driver. Schumacher made the remarks on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast after Hamilton called for serious talks following another incident with Charles Leclerc.

Leclerc attacked Hamilton on the opening lap after Hamilton started from pole. At Turn 4, Hamilton ran wide and went through the grass as Leclerc was on the outside; Leclerc took the lead. Leclerc received a five-second penalty for gaining a lasting advantage. Verstappen took the lead after the pit stop and went on to win.

Schumacher said he understood why Hamilton defended so hard, but objected to the radio exchanges and the way Hamilton spoke after the race. He criticised what he described as Hamilton's persistent push for a penalty against his teammate. Schumacher also characterised a radio message as threatening, while noting he was unsure of its exact wording.

Schumacher said Hamilton and Leclerc had spoiled each other's race and cost Ferrari a win, arguing that Ferrari had been the fastest car while leading in clear air. He said their rivalry had gone too far and called for Ferrari's top leadership to intervene if the dispute could not be handled elsewhere in the organisation.