Lewis Hamilton, the seven‑time Formula 1 champion, spoke at a press conference in São Paulo on Thursday, ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, to reiterate his frustration over the opening‑lap incident at the Mexico City Grand Prix last weekend.
Mexico incident cost a potential 1‑2 finish
Hamilton said the wheel‑to‑wheel contact with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc on turn 4 forced both drivers off the track. While Hamilton lost a position to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Leclerc cut through the grass and briefly took the lead before receiving a five‑second penalty.
Verstappen went on to win the race, Hamilton finished second and Leclerc ended up fourth. The result left Ferrari’s constructor points trailing Mercedes, which leads the championship with 630 points.
Calls for team discussion
“We haven’t spoken,” Hamilton said, noting that Leclerc has not yet arrived in Brazil after the birth of his daughter earlier this week. “I was frustrated and I’m still frustrated.” He added that Ferrari needs to work toward ensuring the Mexico incident does not happen again and that “conversations need to be had, so we will have those when the time permits.”
Leclerc’s penalty and team dynamics
Leclerc received a five‑second penalty for the contact after the race. Hamilton acknowledged that racing against a teammate is always a challenge, comparing the situation to his past experiences with Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz at Ferrari.
“(Leclerc) is very much embedded within the team, and I knew that it would always be a challenge. I’ve always respected that, and that approach to the team,” Hamilton said. “I’ve really worked hard to build a good relationship with Charles.”
Hamilton’s outspoken style
Hamilton said his outspoken nature can create tension within a team, but he views it as part of his role. “Naturally, it’s not so easy having someone like me come into a team because I’m very outspoken and I push and push for so many changes,” he explained. “And I’m going to be pushing for more. And as long as I’m here, that’s how it’s going to be.”
He also referenced a previous incident at the Singapore Grand Prix, where he chose soft tires during a virtual safety car period and later requested a team pass‑by that Ferrari denied.
Championship standings
Heading into the Brazilian round, Hamilton sits third in the drivers’ championship with 259 points, while Leclerc is fifth with 245 points. Ferrari remains second in the constructors’ standings with 504 points, well behind Mercedes.
Hamilton concluded by emphasizing his authenticity: “I wear my heart on my sleeve and I say how I feel in the moment. I’m never going to apologize for being authentic and real.”
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
