Charles Leclerc has raised concerns about a severe bump at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez during the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix, angrily criticising the track surface over Ferrari team radio before reporting back pain after FP2. The incident has also attracted attention from former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports F1 analyst Karun Chandhok, who believes the FIA needs to examine the affected section of the circuit.
Despite topping both Friday practice sessions, Charles Leclerc experienced an uncomfortable moment during FP1 when his Ferrari encountered a particularly harsh bump. His immediate reaction suggested concern not only about the impact on his SF-26 but also about the physical force transmitted through the car. The issue became more significant when the Monegasque subsequently complained about the condition of his back following the second session.
Charles Leclerc criticises Mexico GP track bump over Ferrari team radio
The Ferrari driver made his frustration clear during the opening practice session, describing the severity of a bump on the inside of the circuit and expressing concern about the impact on both himself and the car.
Charles Leclerc told Ferrari over team radio: “My God. The bump on the inside is crazy. I probably fuc*** the car and my body as well. It’s crazy.”
When asked about his condition, the Monegasque confirmed that he was all right, but continued to criticise the track surface.
“Yes, but for fu**’s sake, they cannot leave a track like this. Come on.”
The exchange highlighted the severity of the impact as experienced by Charles Leclerc. Although he confirmed that he was okay immediately afterwards, his comments reflected concern about the physical forces involved and the possibility that the car had also been affected.
There was no confirmation in the exchange that the SF-26 had sustained damage. However, the driver’s reaction made clear that the bump was sufficiently pronounced to interrupt his concentration and provoke an immediate complaint.
Charles Leclerc reports back pain after Mexico GP FP2
The matter attracted further attention following the conclusion of second practice, when Charles Leclerc made another brief but significant comment over Ferrari team radio.
“My back is fuc***,” the Ferrari driver reported after FP2.
The remark adds a physical dimension to the concerns raised during the opening session. While Charles Leclerc had initially confirmed that he was okay after encountering the bump, his later complaint indicated that he was experiencing discomfort by the end of Friday’s running.
However, the precise connection between the earlier impact and his subsequent back complaint has not been established. Neither the severity of any physical problem nor its potential implications for the remainder of the weekend were confirmed in the available exchanges.
Nevertheless, the sequence of comments draws attention to a track characteristic that could merit closer examination, particularly given the forces transmitted to drivers through modern Formula 1 cars.
Karun Chandhok calls for FIA review of Mexico GP bump
Sky Sports F1 analyst and former Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok also highlighted the unusual nature of the bump, suggesting that a raised section or joint in the surface may have caused the car to be lifted unexpectedly.
Karun Chandhok explained: “That was a bump, like there was a joint somewhere that popped the car up in the middle of the track.”
He noted that Charles Leclerc had been away from the normal racing line when the incident occurred, but nevertheless considered the condition of the surface worthy of attention from the governing body.
“He was off the racing line but that’s something the FIA will need to look at that because some kind of ripple has popped up.”
The observation raises an important distinction. Although the bump was encountered away from the usual racing line, the impact was sufficiently pronounced for Karun Chandhok to question whether a raised section of the asphalt required inspection.
His assessment remains an interpretation of the incident rather than a confirmed finding about the construction or condition of the track. There has been no established explanation identifying the exact nature of the suspected surface irregularity.
Why the Mexico GP surface issue deserves attention despite Ferrari’s strong Friday
For Ferrari, the concern emerged during an otherwise encouraging opening day at the Mexican Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc finished fastest in both FP1 and FP2, demonstrating promising performance from the SF-26 as the team prepared for the remainder of the weekend.
Yet the driver’s radio messages introduced a separate question from outright competitiveness. While lap times determine the sporting picture, the condition of the circuit can affect how drivers experience different sections of the track, particularly when a pronounced bump creates an abrupt vertical movement.
Karun Chandhok’s suggestion that the FIA examine the area reflects concern about the unusual severity of the impact rather than confirmation of any regulatory or safety breach.
For now, the key unanswered questions concern the precise condition of the affected section, whether the governing body will inspect it, and whether Charles Leclerc’s reported back discomfort has any further consequences during the weekend.
With Ferrari preparing for Saturday’s decisive sessions, the Monegasque will be hoping to build on his excellent Friday performance. However, his complaints have ensured that the Mexico City circuit surface has become another point of attention alongside the battle for qualifying performance.
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