Ferrari boss orders Hamilton and Leclerc to respect after Mexico clash
Team principal Fred Vasseur addressed the dispute following a race in which the duo failed to finish one-two.
By Nadia Rahman ·
Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur instructed Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to respect one another following a dispute that erupted during the Mexico City Grand Prix last weekend. The incident occurred on the opening lap and resulted in both drivers running off the track, preventing the Italian manufacturer from securing a one-two finish.
Vasseur spoke to reporters on Friday at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix regarding the aftermath of the Mexico race. He described the situation as taking huge proportions but noted that there was no physical contact between the two cars. The Ferrari principal stated that such interactions are common among teammates, though he emphasized the need for mutual respect moving forward.
The team leader said he held a meeting with both drivers on Thursday evening in Sao Paulo. This conversation took place after Leclerc arrived in the country following the birth of his daughter in Europe. Vasseur declined to share specific details of their discussion but indicated that the exchange allowed him to clarify his stance and hear their perspectives. He said the team has now turned the page and is focused on the upcoming race.
The Mexico incident began when Leclerc, who started from second place, raced wheel to wheel with pole-sitter Hamilton outside Turn 4. Both drivers left the track during the maneuver. Hamilton lost a position to Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, while Leclerc cut through the grass to take the lead. Leclerc subsequently received a five-second penalty, finishing fourth. Verstappen won the race, with Hamilton finishing second.
The result allowed Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli to secure the Formula 1 championship title. Vasseur acknowledged that the maneuver was not ideal because a one-two finish was expected. He reiterated that while both drivers possess a fighting spirit, they must maintain respect for each other as competitors.
Hamilton expressed his continued frustration with the Mexico situation to journalists on Thursday. In the current standings, Hamilton holds third place in the drivers' championship with 259 points. Leclerc is in fifth place with 245 points. Ferrari occupies second place in the constructors' championship, trailing Mercedes, which leads the field.
The next scheduled race is the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where Ferrari aims to continue its campaign for the remaining points in the season.
