Lewis Hamilton has called for "serious talks" within Ferrari after a first-lap clash with teammate Charles Leclerc cost the team a potential victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Leclerc cut the chicane at Turn 1 to take the lead from Hamilton, who then lost second place to Max Verstappen. Verstappen went on to win the race, with Hamilton finishing second and Kimi Antonelli third to become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.
"Ultimately, that lost us the win today," Hamilton said. "We have to have some serious talks behind closed doors." During a red-flag period, Hamilton told the team over radio: "We've got big problems. Big, big problems."
Leclerc defended his move, saying he felt it was worth keeping the position despite a five-second penalty for overtaking off track. He also noted that Hamilton pushed him off track at Turn 1, calling it "racing."
Hamilton argued that if the Ferraris had cooperated on the opening lap they could have controlled the race and secured a one-two finish. "We could have easily had a one-two today. We had the pace to do so," he said, adding that the team lacks rules of engagement and that "something needs to change for sure."
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur expressed frustration and said the team would discuss the issue immediately. Hamilton pointed to a pattern of tensions this season, including incidents at the Italian and Singapore Grands Prix, and stressed that every decision impacts the entire team.
Verstappen capitalized on the Ferrari battle to claim victory, while Antonelli's historic championship triumph was confirmed with his podium finish.
