Lewis Hamilton has revealed that Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur appeared nervous when he approached him before the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix, as tensions surrounding his rivalry with Charles Leclerc continue to raise questions about how the team manages its two drivers. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion stopped short of directly criticising the Frenchman but drew comparisons with how Mercedes handled difficult situations between teammates.
Lewis Hamilton furious after Charles Leclerc clash at Mexico GP
“We have big problems. Big, big problems.” With that heated team radio message before the restart, Lewis Hamilton made it clear to Ferrari, and everyone listening, that he was far from happy with Charles Leclerc’s attack at the start of the Mexican Grand Prix.
The British driver did not hold back, expressing his frustration over team radio, in conversations with journalists in the paddock and during the post-race press conference. His anger centred on the opening corners, where he believed the two Ferrari drivers had compromised the team’s chances of securing a one-two finish.
Speaking to Sky Sports UK, Lewis Hamilton confirmed that “we didn’t sit down and talk about it beforehand”, referring to the absence of clearly established rules of engagement between Ferrari’s drivers before the race. It is an issue that has concerned him since Monza and has become increasingly significant following the latest controversy involving Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in Mexico.
The seven-time world champion was emphatic about the consequences: “The race was lost in the first few corners because, by working as a team, we could easily have finished first and second.”
Lewis Hamilton reveals nervous Fred Vasseur conversation before the race
During the press conference, Lewis Hamilton was subsequently asked for his assessment of Fred Vasseur’s management of Ferrari’s two drivers. His response was not a direct attack on the team principal. Nevertheless, his repeated references to situations that he believes were handled more effectively at Mercedes are unlikely to have been particularly welcome for the French manager.
“I’ve been through much worse situations at Mercedes,” Lewis Hamilton began, before continuing: “I think the situation was handled well at Mercedes, and I think Fred is doing his best. Fred came to speak to me before the race, and I think he was nervous. I think he just wanted us to… Obviously, he wants both drivers to do well.”
His comments acknowledged the challenge facing Fred Vasseur as he attempts to balance the ambitions of two highly competitive drivers. The Ferrari team principal’s handling of the situation has already attracted attention, particularly following his call for respect after the clash between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Lewis Hamilton questions Charles Leclerc’s risk-taking and Ferrari’s response
Lewis Hamilton also delivered a pointed criticism of Charles Leclerc, suggesting that a driver taking unnecessary risks from behind should be prepared to explain the consequences when the team loses out.
“From my point of view, if I were behind and took any kind of risk and we ended up losing out as a team, I think I would have to explain myself. Because that action has an impact on so many people. I was in the lead, it was simply unnecessary… I really don’t know what will happen because nothing concrete has been done so far.”
The remarks underline Lewis Hamilton’s frustration not only with what happened on track but also with the absence of concrete measures to address the situation. His concerns come against the backdrop of an increasingly intense internal Ferrari rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, with the two drivers’ competitive relationship presenting a delicate management challenge.
For Fred Vasseur, the central question is how to allow both drivers to compete while preventing their individual battles from damaging Ferrari’s collective results. Lewis Hamilton’s comments make clear that he believes the team needs a more defined approach, even as he recognises that the Ferrari team principal is doing his best.
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