Lewis Hamilton says Ferrari needs “serious talks” after Charles Leclerc clash cost Mexico GP win

Motorsport photoLewis Hamilton has warned that Ferrari will have to hold “serious talks” behind the scenes following his clash with team-mate Charles Leclerc on the first lap of the Mexico City Grand Prix. Hamilton argues that it cost the team the win.Hamilton started from pole and held the lead through Turn 1, but Leclerc attempted to pass him aggressively at Turn 4. Both drivers went off the track, with Leclerc exiting the turn in front as he cut the corner over the grass.Leclerc was given a five-second penalty after the skirmish, and when he served it in his pitstop, Max Verstappen took position ahead of him. The Red Bull driver went on to win and Hamilton finished second in front of this year's Formula 1 champion Kimi Antonelli.After singing the praises of the new champ, Hamilton turned to the subject Ferrari fans were waiting for.“Ultimately it was that that lost us the win today,” he said. “I think we have to have some serious talks behind the scenes for sure.”Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, MercedesLewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, MercedesHe also said that drivers had discussed the start of the race in a briefing: "I mean, in the drivers' briefing we discussed as soon as you go off in turn one, you have to give the position back, obviously.“Last year I got a 10-second penalty for that same move that he did,” Hamilton added.In 2025, Hamilton was given 10 seconds after going off at Turn 4 while battling Verstappen, and rejoining ahead of the Dutchman.This time, the stewards said the 10-second baseline had been reduced because of mitigating circumstances. They ruled that both cars had entered the corner too fast to stay on the track, and that Leclerc was “not entitled to claim the corner”.“The baseline penalty guideline is 10 seconds however in mitigation is the fact that car 44 was also off track on the inside of car 16 and this occurred early in the first lap,” the stewards’ decision read.Despite his frustration, Hamilton believes the race showed how far Ferrari has come."The good thing is the team are working really hard. We've really improved our car. It's great to be here. You know, we're on the old engine this weekend as well. So good result, good points. Shame we didn't get a win, but you know, some you win, some you lose."The team outscored Mercedes by 30 points to 23 in Mexico, cutting the gap in the constructors’ championship to 126 points.To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.