Lewis Hamilton has called for serious internal discussions at Ferrari following a collision with teammate Charles Leclerc during the 2026 Mexico Grand Prix, an incident he believes cost the team a potential race victory. Starting from pole position, Hamilton found himself challenged early on by Leclerc after George Russell lost momentum at the start, setting the stage for a tense battle between the two Ferrari drivers.
The clash occurred as Hamilton and Leclerc fought for the lead, with both drivers running off track. Leclerc cut Turn 5 and retained the lead on track, while Hamilton was overtaken by Max Verstappen. Leclerc was later handed a five-second penalty for the incident, but still managed to build a gap before losing the lead due to a longer pit stop and tyre issues following a red flag restart. Hamilton ultimately finished second, just 0.8 seconds behind Verstappen.
Hamilton expressed frustration that Leclerc did not relinquish the position after going off track, referring to a drivers’ briefing rule and recalling his own penalty for a similar move in 2025. In his view, the collision and the subsequent handling of the situation cost Ferrari the race win. He emphasized the need for serious talks within the team to address such incidents and improve cooperation between teammates.
Beyond the incident, Hamilton acknowledged Ferrari’s current technical situation, noting that the team ran an older engine specification at Mexico. He expressed hope for improvements in the power unit next season to better challenge Red Bull’s pace. Despite the setback, Hamilton praised Andrea Kimi Antonelli for becoming the youngest-ever Formula 1® world champion in 2026 and looks forward to competing against him in 2027.
The Mexico Grand Prix highlighted the ongoing rivalry within Ferrari and the challenges the team faces in managing its drivers while competing at the highest level. Hamilton’s call for serious internal discussions reflects a desire to avoid similar incidents that could undermine the team’s chances in future races. Meanwhile, Red Bull and Max Verstappen capitalized on the Ferrari clash to secure victory, underscoring the fine margins that often decide outcomes in the championship.
Hamilton’s comments provide insight into the dynamics within Ferrari following the Mexico race and underline the importance of clear communication and teamwork in a sport where split-second decisions can have significant consequences. The incident also serves as a reminder of the complexities involved when two top drivers compete closely within the same team.
Looking ahead, Ferrari’s focus on power unit upgrades and team harmony will be crucial as they aim to close the gap to their rivals. Hamilton’s perspective sheds light on the internal pressures and expectations at one of Formula 1®’s most storied teams, emphasizing the need for balance between individual ambition and collective success.