Former Ferrari Formula 1 driver Jean Alesi has launched a fierce criticism of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following their costly battle at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix. The Frenchman accused both drivers of putting their personal ambitions ahead of the team, arguing that their behaviour was even worse than what happened at Monza and that they had crossed an unacceptable line.
Jean Alesi backs Fred Vasseur over Ferrari’s missed Mexico GP victory
“It’s difficult to accept that we didn’t win when we were first and second after Turn 3, on a circuit where overtaking is so difficult.”
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur was unequivocal in his assessment following the Mexican Grand Prix, holding both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc responsible for squandering the efforts of more than 2,000 people who had worked to provide them with an SF-26 capable of winning in Mexico.
The French manager’s frustration reflected the scale of the opportunity Ferrari had missed, with the team principal demanding respect for everyone involved in Ferrari’s efforts after the opening-lap confrontation.
Jean Alesi shares Fred Vasseur’s assessment. In his Tuesday column for Corriere della Sera, the former Ferrari driver delivered a scathing criticism of the two drivers, accusing them of excessive selfishness.
Jean Alesi accuses Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc of crossing the line
“Unfortunately, I saw two drivers who seem to be racing for themselves,” Jean Alesi wrote. “Charles attacking Lewis on the first lap when the Ferraris were running first and second; both running wide, off the racing line, giving Max Verstappen the winning move of the entire Sunday.”
“All of this seemed like madness to me. An even worse repeat of what happened at Monza and a lack of respect towards those who provide both drivers with a car that is finally capable of winning. I can understand the personal reasons that drive Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to fight, but there has to be a limit, and that limit was crossed.”
The former Ferrari driver’s criticism places the responsibility on both teammates rather than singling out one of them. While acknowledging their individual motivations, Jean Alesi believes those ambitions should not come at the expense of the team’s opportunity to win.
His comparison with Monza also adds to the concerns surrounding Ferrari’s recurring problems when Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc race each other.
The incident has renewed debate over the balance between individual ambition and collective responsibility at Maranello, with the Ferrari teammate rivalry raising broader questions ahead of 2027. For Jean Alesi, however, the conclusion is clear: both drivers went beyond acceptable limits in Mexico when Ferrari had a car capable of fighting for victory.
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