Hamilton calls for Ferrari talks after first-lap clash in Mexico

Lewis Hamilton has called for Ferrari to resolve how its drivers compete against each other after their opening-lap battle at the Mexico City Grand Prix. According to BBC Sport's Andrew Benson, Hamilton believes the confrontation with Charles Leclerc cost Ferrari a chance of victory in a race won by Max Verstappen.

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Leclerc went across a chicane on the opening lap and emerged ahead of Hamilton. The BBC reported that Hamilton also lost a place to Verstappen during the sequence. Hamilton's complaint was not simply about losing the lead: he argued that Ferrari had been in a position to run first and second, allowing the team to manage the race together rather than give a rival an opening.

Hamilton said Ferrari had the speed to secure the first two places, although that remained his assessment of what might have happened. He also said the drivers did not have agreed guidelines governing their battles and questioned whether introducing them would alter Leclerc's approach. Hamilton raised his concerns over the radio during a stoppage caused by a crash involving Valtteri Bottas' Cadillac, before calling for private discussions after the race.

Leclerc offered a different account of the dispute. He said both Ferrari drivers had failed to make the corner and argued that holding his position was worthwhile with the Red Bull between them. He also pointed to Hamilton forcing him wide at the opening corner. Leclerc said he would speak to his team-mate, while defending hard racing when victory was at stake.

Team principal Frederic Vasseur expressed frustration at the incident and its consequences for Ferrari's workforce. He said the team would discuss the matter that evening and address it the following day. Hamilton supported Vasseur's efforts but argued that drivers' decisions affect everyone working behind the scenes, making cooperation a responsibility rather than merely a tactical preference.

The disagreement followed earlier tensions reported by the BBC, including an incident at the Italian Grand Prix and disputes over position changes when the drivers were on different strategies or tyres. Verstappen, meanwhile, acknowledged that Ferrari's pace had been strong and that its internal fight helped him take advantage. Ferrari's next step is the discussion its drivers and team principal have now promised.