Former Ferrari Formula 1 driver Ivan Capelli believes the tensions between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc may run deeper than their controversial clash at the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix. Speaking during a Sky Sport F1 analysis programme, he suggested that previous discussions between the two team-mates may not have been sufficient to resolve their differences, pointing to a series of disagreements that have developed throughout the season.
What particularly surprised Ivan Capelli was Lewis Hamilton’s decision to return publicly to the controversy four days after the Mexican Grand Prix. While previous incidents between the Ferrari drivers had largely been confined to immediate post-race reactions, the latest disagreement has continued to generate discussion well beyond the race weekend.
Ivan Capelli suggests Ferrari tensions between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have been building all season
Analysing the renewed tensions between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix, Ivan Capelli placed the Mexican Grand Prix controversy within the broader context of their relationship throughout the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The former Ferrari driver recalled that there had already been several moments of friction between the two team-mates, both during wheel-to-wheel battles and in their comments following races.
“I think what we’re seeing is the evolution of a situation that has developed throughout the entire season. There have already been moments of tension between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, close battles on track and a few disagreements outside the cockpit as well.
“Until now, however, these were mainly incidents connected to the immediate aftermath of a race, with comments made in the heat of the moment that subsequently did not lead to any particular developments.
“Think, for example, about what happened at Monza, where there had already been an initial contact between the two. On that occasion as well, the matter essentially remained confined to the post-race period.”
Why Lewis Hamilton’s renewed criticism raises questions about previous Ferrari discussions
According to Ivan Capelli, the latest disagreement stands out because Lewis Hamilton chose to revisit the incident several days after the race, rather than limiting his criticism to the immediate aftermath of the confrontation.
The former Ferrari driver believes this could indicate that previous attempts to clarify the relationship between the two team-mates, or establish how they should handle certain racing situations, had not been entirely successful.
“This time Lewis Hamilton has added a different element, because evidently the previous discussions were not enough to fully clarify their relationship or establish how to deal with certain situations on track.
“The fact that he returned to the incident so forcefully, even four days after the Mexican Grand Prix had ended, is what makes this situation different from the others.
“We’re no longer dealing simply with a driver’s immediate reaction after a battle with his team-mate, but with an issue that continues to be raised even several days later.”
Ivan Capelli’s assessment therefore goes beyond the on-track confrontation between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in Mexico. His concern centres on whether the disagreements that have emerged during the season have been adequately addressed.
The situation has also brought renewed attention to Ferrari’s discussions over possible racing rules following the Mexican Grand Prix controversy, with questions surrounding how the Scuderia should manage future battles between its drivers.
For Ivan Capelli, the significance of Lewis Hamilton’s latest comments lies in their timing and persistence. Unlike previous episodes that appeared to fade after the immediate post-race discussions, the Mexico disagreement continued to be raised days later, suggesting that the relationship between Ferrari’s two drivers may still require further clarification.
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