Vasseur Warns Hamilton, Leclerc as Ferrari Insists Team Must Come First

Posted : 07 November 2026

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has reminded Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc that the team's interests must take priority after their disagreement during the Mexico City Grand Prix. The warning followed a meeting between the drivers and their boss in Sao Paulo ahead of this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix.

The Ferrari pair were involved in a tense battle on the opening lap in Mexico, with both drivers running wide while fighting for position. The incident disrupted Ferrari's opportunity to secure a one-two finish, allowing Max Verstappen to take advantage and win the race. Hamilton finished second, while Leclerc came home fourth after receiving a five-second penalty.

Hamilton was particularly unhappy with the incident and had called for discussions about how Ferrari's drivers should compete against each other. The seven-time world champion maintained that he was still frustrated and intended to speak openly about the situation.

Vasseur confirmed that he met both drivers on Thursday evening to address their concerns and reinforce the team's expectations. He explained that although Hamilton and Leclerc are naturally competitive, they must show respect for one another and, more importantly, for Ferrari, its employees and supporters.

The Frenchman also acknowledged that the team had collectively failed to convert its strong position in Mexico into the result it wanted. He stressed that Ferrari's priority must remain the same, regardless of the drivers' personal ambitions, and said the message delivered during the meeting would continue to guide the team.

Vasseur also rejected suggestions that Leclerc was unusually aggressive when racing against his teammates. To support his argument, he pointed to the Monegasque's impressive move against Verstappen in Austin, describing it as an example of strong racing that did not result in contact between the cars.

Meanwhile, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff sympathised with Vasseur, comparing the situation to the difficult rivalry he previously managed between Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. Their competition at Mercedes became particularly intense during the 2016 season, when the pair collided on the opening lap of the Spanish Grand Prix and both retired.

Wolff said managing two highly competitive drivers can be challenging, especially when they are fighting at the front of the field under intense media attention. He suggested that major incidents sometimes become necessary turning points, forcing drivers to recognise the limits of acceptable behaviour and their responsibilities to the wider team.

The Mercedes boss emphasised that respect for the organisation and the thousands of people working behind the scenes must remain central to any driver rivalry. His comments reflected the difficulties Vasseur now faces as he attempts to keep Ferrari united while allowing both drivers to compete at the highest level.

With the Brazilian Grand Prix approaching, Ferrari will be hoping the discussions have settled the disagreement and that Hamilton and Leclerc can concentrate on delivering strong results for the team.

Vasseur Warns Hamilton, Leclerc as Ferrari Insists Team Must Come First

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