Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have resolved the tension from their first-lap collision at the Mexico City Grand Prix after sitting down with Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur in Brazil, with Hamilton and Leclerc squash
ing the issue ahead of Sunday’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
The pair met with Vasseur on Thursday evening to discuss the incident that allowed Max Verstappen to capitalise and win in Mexico. Hamilton had been publicly critical of Leclerc in the days that followed and had called for clearer rules of engagement between the two drivers.
Talks held in Brazil
Speaking to the media on Saturday for the first time since the meeting, Hamilton made clear that the conversation had been productive. He stressed that Vasseur had not needed to mediate in the way some had suggested, and that the resolution came from the drivers themselves.
Hamilton said the two had spoken directly and reached an understanding, adding that mutual respect remains intact. He noted that neither driver made demands of the other; instead, both shared their perspectives on where they could improve and how they could support one another going forward.
Leclerc offered a similar assessment. He acknowledged that the past week had been filled with a great deal of discussion — more than he felt was necessary — but confirmed that everything had been settled and that his focus had shifted to the weekend ahead.
Vasseur reinforces team priorities
Vasseur, who confirmed the meeting had taken place, said the team’s guidelines for wheel-to-wheel racing have not changed. He explained that frustration had likely built up because the two drivers have repeatedly found themselves starting races alongside each other, creating a cumulative effect.
According to Vasseur, the core message remains that Hamilton and Leclerc must respect each other as competitors. More importantly, he emphasised that both drivers must respect the team — including the people working at the factory and at the track — and that this message was delivered clearly and will continue to be reinforced.
The Mexico clash was not the first flashpoint between the pair. Two months earlier at Monza, Leclerc admitted fault for an opening-lap battle with Hamilton that forced the latter wide into the gravel and cost him several positions.
Grid penalties shape Sao Paulo weekend
Both drivers face difficult starting positions at Interlagos. Hamilton will begin Sunday’s race from the back of the grid after a power unit change. Leclerc starts 14th following a 10-place grid penalty for a new internal combustion engine.
The Sao Paulo Grand Prix is the final leg of the triple header and is live on Sky Sports F1, with race coverage beginning at 5pm on Sunday.
