Hamilton criticizes Leclerc after Ferrari clash in Mexico

Lewis Hamilton criticized Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc’s aggressive approach during their opening-lap battle at the Mexico City Grand Prix, saying the team’s prospects should take priority over an individual attempt to win a position. Hamilton said Leclerc’s “do or die” mentality risked costing Ferrari a stronger collective result. Hamilton said he had seen similar internal battles when Leclerc raced alongside Carlos Sainz, arguing that fights between teammates can allow rivals to pull away. He said the stakes are greater when drivers are competing near the front and suggested Ferrari could have secured a one-two finish if its drivers had held position. The race account described Leclerc making moves against Hamilton in the opening corners. After the clash, Hamilton lost ground to Max Verstappen, while Leclerc received a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage off track. Verstappen won, Hamilton finished second and Leclerc placed fourth. Hamilton’s view that the incident cost Ferrari a chance at victory was his assessment of the race, rather than an independently established outcome. Leclerc defended his approach after the race, saying he saw an opportunity and would...