The relationship between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc is under growing strain, according to reports in Italy, following their clash at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Italian newspaper La Stampa claims tensions between the Ferrari team-mates have worsened, while Sky Sport Italia has questioned whether the team needs clearer rules to prevent further incidents. Neither driver nor Ferrari has confirmed a breakdown in their relationship.
Mexico clash adds to Ferrari tensions
Hamilton started from pole position in Mexico, but Ferrari’s hopes of victory suffered when Leclerc challenged him on the opening lap and cut the chicane. Leclerc subsequently received a five-second penalty, while Hamilton finished second behind Max Verstappen.
As Read Motorsport reported after the race, Hamilton called for serious discussions within Ferrari and questioned his team-mate’s approach. Leclerc defended his right to challenge but accepted the penalty. The incident followed other difficult moments between the pair this season, including their battle at Monza.
Vasseur faces questions before Brazil
La Stampa reports that Hamilton has become frustrated by what he considers insufficient support from Ferrari, particularly over decisions affecting his championship challenge. Those claims remain unconfirmed, but the public disagreement in Mexico has increased scrutiny of team principal Fred Vasseur.
Vasseur criticised the outcome and said he would speak to both drivers. Ferrari had shown enough pace to challenge for victory but failed to convert that speed into a win. With the Brazilian Grand Prix approaching, Ferrari faces a familiar problem: allowing two competitive drivers to race while protecting the team’s results.
The Italian reports do not establish that Hamilton and Leclerc have fallen out. Their contrasting accounts of Mexico do, however, suggest Vasseur has work to do before Interlagos.
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