Hamilton and Leclerc say Mexico dispute is settled

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc say they have spoken after their first-lap clash at the Mexico City Grand Prix, with both Ferrari drivers describing their relationship as settled or back to normal ahead of the Sao Paulo race weekend. Their accounts differ, however, on whether team principal Frédéric Vasseur was present for the conversation that addressed the disagreement.

Hamilton said after qualifying in Brazil that he and Leclerc spoke without Vasseur, exchanged views on what they could improve and how they could support each other, and were getting along as usual. He said the two drivers still had considerable respect for each other and were moving on. Leclerc said after Friday’s running that they had spoken and that, in his view, the matter was settled.

Vasseur said he spoke with both drivers on Thursday evening in Sao Paulo and told them to respect each other. He declined to disclose details of the conversation. Hamilton’s account describes a separate discussion between the drivers without Vasseur; the available statements do not establish whether there was one conversation or more than one.

The disagreement followed an opening-lap fight for the lead in Mexico. Hamilton...