Lewis Hamilton has called for "serious talks" within Ferrari after a first-lap collision with teammate Charles Leclerc at the Mexican Grand Prix, which he believes cost the team a potential victory. Hamilton, who started on pole, battled with Leclerc through the opening corners. Leclerc ultimately took the lead by driving across the grass at turn four, an action that resulted in a five-second penalty and allowed Max Verstappen to seize the lead.
"We have to have some serious talks behind the scenes for sure," Hamilton stated after the race, expressing dismay that Leclerc only received a five-second penalty. "This will just continue unless action is taken, unless a real deep, serious conversation is had. So, it shouldn't happen moving forward."
Hamilton questioned Leclerc's move, calling it a "mentality thing." "It's like, 'Do or die. Either I win or none of us do', and it shouldn't be that," he said. "It should be us getting that one-two. You know, Silverstone, I could have gone all kamikaze on him and taken him off and lost us the win."
Leclerc, however, indicated he had considered returning the position to Hamilton but stated the British driver had already been passed by Verstappen. "I'm sure Lewis definitely hated those first few laps and we'll discuss," Leclerc commented.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged his frustration and stated he would discuss the matter with both drivers. "The comments of Lewis I will discuss with Lewis and the comments of Charles I will discuss with Charles," Vasseur said, emphasizing the need for respect for the team and its personnel.
The incident occurred during a period that also saw a red flag caused by a crash involving Valtteri Bottas. Hamilton eventually finished second behind Verstappen, who extended his championship lead. In a separate note, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli became Formula One's youngest world champion after finishing third in his race.