Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has admitted that he understands Lewis Hamilton’s frustration following the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix, but confirmed that the British driver’s comments will be discussed internally. The French manager was deeply disappointed after the on-track battle between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc contributed to the Scuderia losing a potential victory, despite having both cars running first and second.
Fred Vasseur faces questions over Ferrari’s approach to teammate battles
Until now, Fred Vasseur has largely relied on the common sense of his drivers rather than establishing clearly defined rules of engagement for their on-track battles. However, following incidents at Zandvoort, Monza and Mexico City, that approach is increasingly open to criticism.
Two ambitious drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc may need a different approach to avoid a repeat of the problems seen in Mexico. Their on-track battle did little to help Ferrari’s pursuit of victory, while the situation was further complicated by several heated radio messages from Lewis Hamilton and the risk of similarly contentious remarks in the post-race interviews.
The issue of how Ferrari should manage its drivers had already come under scrutiny following Lewis Hamilton’s decision to back away from Charles Leclerc during their Austin battle. The latest confrontation has renewed questions about whether the Scuderia needs clearer boundaries when its drivers are competing for the same positions.
Fred Vasseur furious over Ferrari’s lost Mexico GP victory
With Sky Sport Italia understandably focused on Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s outstanding victory, Fred Vasseur spoke to Canal+ and Sky Sports F1 on Sunday about what had happened between his drivers on track.
Speaking to the British broadcaster, the Ferrari team principal delivered a message broadly consistent with his comments to French television, emphasising the responsibility his drivers have towards everyone working for the team.
“I think it’s simply a question of respect. Respect for the brand, the sponsors, the team, for the 2,000 people working like crazy back at the factory. I think we’re getting back to the right level of performance. We’ve made a good step forward because the people back at the factory are working day and night, so it’s difficult for me to accept losing a victory like this.”
His disappointment was particularly acute because Ferrari’s recent performance improvements had put the team in a position to fight for victory. Instead, the internal battle proved costly, with the five-second penalty imposed on Charles Leclerc following the opening-lap incident adding to the consequences of the confrontation.
Fred Vasseur understands Lewis Hamilton’s frustration but promises internal talks
Asked whether he understood Lewis Hamilton’s frustration, Fred Vasseur acknowledged the driver’s feelings but made clear that both Ferrari teammates would have to discuss their comments with the team.
“We’ll have time to discuss it with the drivers, but honestly, I’m feeling a bit down today. Do I understand Hamilton’s frustration? Yes, but Lewis’s comments will be discussed with Lewis, and Charles’s comments will be discussed with Charles. What I see is the result. And the result is that we had a victory there for the taking, being P1 and P2 in Mexico, where the last overtake must have happened in ’72. When you’re P1 and P2, you never imagine you could lose the race, but we managed to do it.”
The Ferrari team principal’s remarks underline the scale of his frustration. Rather than focusing solely on the disagreements between his drivers, he pointed to the outcome: a victory opportunity that slipped away despite the team’s strong position.
The consequences of the confrontation are reflected in the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix race result, which saw Lewis Hamilton finish second and Charles Leclerc fourth.
For Fred Vasseur, the immediate priority is now addressing the comments and conduct of both drivers. After the incidents at Zandvoort, Monza and Mexico City, Ferrari’s approach to managing its internal rivalry is once again under scrutiny.
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