Lewis Hamilton has taken his criticism of Charles Leclerc to another level after suggesting that their controversial opening-lap battle at the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix went against the fundamental expectations written into their Ferrari contracts.
The seven-time world champion believes Ferrari lost a potential one-two finish because of the incident, and he has warned that the situation could happen again unless serious action is taken behind closed doors.
With Ferrari fighting to strengthen its position in the Constructors’ Championship, Hamilton’s comments have raised fresh questions about the team’s internal rules, driver cooperation and the growing tension between its two biggest stars.
HAMILTON SUGGESTS TEAMWORK WAS COMPROMISED
Hamilton started the Mexican Grand Prix from pole position, with Leclerc alongside him in the Ferrari battle for the lead. Both drivers made strong starts, but their fight quickly became complicated as they approached the opening corners.
Leclerc attempted to overtake Hamilton, with both drivers running wide during the confrontation. The Monegasque ultimately gained an advantage and received a five-second penalty for leaving the track and retaining his position.
However, the damage had already been done. Max Verstappen capitalised on the Ferrari drivers’ battle to take the lead, eventually winning the race ahead of Hamilton, while Leclerc finished fourth.
Hamilton was particularly frustrated because he believed Ferrari had the pace to secure first and second positions.
Speaking after the race, he suggested that the incident went beyond an ordinary disagreement between teammates.
“Part of our job and part of our contract is we have to work as a team,” Hamilton explained.
His comments have raised the possibility that he believes Leclerc failed to meet the team’s expectations regarding cooperation, although he did not establish that a specific contractual clause had legally been breached.
HAMILTON DEMANDS A DEEP AND SERIOUS CONVERSATION
Hamilton made it clear that another discussion about the incident would not be enough unless Ferrari addressed the underlying problem.
He warned that similar situations could continue unless the team takes meaningful action.
The Briton explained that Ferrari could easily have secured a one-two finish in Mexico, but the opening-lap confrontation changed the entire complexion of the race.
He also questioned whether the team had established sufficiently clear rules governing how its drivers should compete against each other.
For Hamilton, the priority should be ensuring that both drivers understand when to fight and when protecting the team’s overall result must come first.
His frustration is understandable given the championship implications. Hamilton currently has 259 points, just two behind Verstappen, while Leclerc sits fifth with 245.
A stronger Ferrari result in Mexico could have improved both drivers’ positions and strengthened the team’s campaign.
CHARLES LECLERC DEFENDS HIS MEXICO GP DECISION
Leclerc, however, has offered his own explanation of the controversial opening-lap incident.
The Ferrari driver described the move as an opportunity after finding space around the outside at Turn 1. He explained that the situation became increasingly difficult as the drivers approached Turn 2 and subsequently the next corners.
Leclerc also acknowledged that both he and Hamilton struggled to make the corner under braking.
He admitted that cutting the track complicated the situation, particularly after Verstappen moved between the two Ferraris.
His explanation suggests that he viewed the incident as a chaotic racing situation rather than a deliberate attempt to undermine his teammate.
Nevertheless, the five-second penalty and Hamilton’s subsequent criticism mean the disagreement is unlikely to disappear immediately.
VERSTAPPEN BELIEVES FERRARI HANDED HIM THE OPPORTUNITY
While Ferrari’s drivers were arguing over the incident, Verstappen was enjoying the opportunity created by their battle.
The Red Bull driver admitted that Hamilton and Leclerc made things difficult for themselves by fighting each other, allowing him to capitalise and move into a winning position.
Verstappen also expressed surprise that Leclerc received a five-second penalty rather than the 10 seconds he believed would normally be applied in such circumstances.
Ultimately, the penalty did not prevent Verstappen from taking his third victory of the 2026 season.
His comments underline the strategic cost of Ferrari’s internal battle. Instead of concentrating on keeping Verstappen behind, the two Ferrari drivers were forced into a confrontation that gave their biggest rival an opportunity to take control.
FERRARI TEAM PRINCIPAL FRED VASSEUR ALSO LOSES PATIENCE
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has already expressed serious frustration with the conduct of both drivers.
He accused them of showing insufficient respect for the Ferrari brand, the team’s sponsors and the approximately 2,000 people working behind the scenes.
Vasseur also made it clear that he wanted to speak with both drivers rather than publicly single out one individual.
His comments suggest that Ferrari’s leadership is concerned about more than the lost victory. The team has worked to improve its car’s performance, making the failure to convert that progress into a stronger result particularly frustrating.
With Hamilton now openly questioning the team’s working arrangements, Vasseur faces an important challenge in restoring harmony before the next race.
BRAZIL GP COULD REVEAL WHETHER FERRARI HAS LEARNED ITS LESSON
The Brazilian Grand Prix, scheduled for November 6–8, now carries additional significance for Ferrari.
Hamilton remains third in the Drivers’ Championship, two points behind Verstappen, while Leclerc is fifth. Ferrari also sits second in the Constructors’ Championship with 504 points.
The team cannot afford to repeatedly lose valuable opportunities through internal disagreements, especially with the season approaching its final races.
Hamilton has made his expectations clear: teamwork must mean something when both Ferrari drivers are competing for the same victory.
Leclerc, meanwhile, will want to continue demonstrating that he can race aggressively without compromising his position within the team.
The biggest question is whether Ferrari will introduce clearer rules of engagement or allow its drivers to continue managing their battles independently.
Hamilton’s reference to their contracts has added another dimension to the controversy, but the real test will come on track in Brazil.
If another Ferrari confrontation develops, the criticism surrounding the Mexico Grand Prix could become even more difficult for the team to contain.
