A brewing storm within Ferrari appears to be escalating after Lewis Hamilton accused teammate Charles Leclerc of employing "dirty tricks" during the Mexico City Grand Prix. The incident, which occurred on the opening lap, led to a furious post-race debrief between the two drivers, hinting at potential "civil war" within the Italian racing team.
Hamilton believes Leclerc's aggressive maneuver to overtake him cost him a potential victory at the weekend. The confrontation suggests that despite their typically amiable public personas, the competitive pressure of Formula 1 is leading to significant friction between the seasoned British driver and the charismatic Monegasque racer.
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur is expected to hold talks with his drivers to address the escalating tensions. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact the team's performance and internal dynamics for the remainder of the season. The report suggests that Leclerc, often perceived as a charming and pleasant individual, may possess a more ruthless competitive streak than his exterior suggests.
This internal strife at Ferrari comes amidst broader speculation in the motorsport world, including discussions about Mercedes' potential courting of Max Verstappen and its impact on other drivers like George Russell. However, the immediate focus remains on the intra-team conflict between Leclerc and Hamilton, which could define Ferrari's season.