Nov.2 (GMM) Ferrari’s simmering driver tension exploded in Mexico, with Lewis Hamilton accusing Charles Leclerc of working against the team and Frederic Vasseur furious after Max Verstappen snatched a race the Scuderia appeared capable of dominating.
Hamilton started from his first Ferrari pole and initially led, but the two red cars fought aggressively through the opening corners before both ran off at Turn 4.
Leclerc received only a five-second penalty, with the stewards reducing the usual ten seconds because Hamilton had also left the circuit.
Hamilton was furious.
“When your teammate works against you and then you lose positions like that, it’s definitely tough,” he said.
“We could have easily had a one-two today.”
He said Ferrari’s lack of firm rules between its drivers can no longer continue unchecked.
“We don’t have rules of engagement, and whether or not that will change anything from Charles’ side, I don’t know,” said the seven time world champion.
“Something needs to change for sure.”
Hamilton went further when asked about Leclerc’s approach, rejecting the idea that age or inexperience explained it.
“The guy is 28 years old, so I don’t think it’s an age thing,” he said.
“I think it’s a mentality thing. It’s like, ‘Do or die. Either I win or none of us do,’ and it shouldn’t be that.”
Hamilton also pointedly invoked the drivers’ contractual responsibility to Ferrari.
“Working as a team is a part of our job and a part of our contract,” he said.
“That will just continue unless action is taken, if a real deep, serious conversation is had.”
Vasseur was equally angry when he spoke to Canal Plus.
“I’m struggling to swallow it because I think it’s a lack of respect,” said the team boss.
“Disrespectful to the brand, disrespectful to all the people who work here, to the efforts we make.”
Vasseur insisted he was not blaming Leclerc alone, noting Hamilton also went off, but said both drivers must remember who they represent.
“We have 2000 people working behind us, and they don’t race for themselves, they do it for all these people.”
Leclerc defended his decision not to immediately surrender the position.
“I don’t know if Lewis was expecting me to let him through to third, but given Max was ahead in second, I thought it was worth holding my place and seeing how things went,” he said.
Hamilton nevertheless said Ferrari had effectively gifted Verstappen the victory.
“We had the car to win. Then we gave the gift to Max,” he said.
Verstappen agreed Ferrari was “100 percent” faster on Sunday.
Meanwhile, champion-elect Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes teammate George Russell skipped mandatory post-race media duties and also failed to attend the stewards hearing after a miserable P6 finish amid more technical problems.
Mercedes was fined EUR 5000, with Toto Wolff saying Russell was “distraught”. Footage showed the team boss apologising to the Briton for the “sh*tshow”.
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience the thrill of the Canadian Grand Prix with Grand Prix Tours! Feel the excitement of Formula 1 as the world's best drivers battle it out on Montreal's iconic Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Explore the vibrant city, enjoy unforgettable race weekend experiences, and soak up the electric atmosphere. Make your Canadian Grand Prix getaway one to remember with our exclusive travel packages. Secure your spot today!
SHOW PACKAGES