Hamilton and Leclerc say Mexico disagreement is resolved

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc say they have resolved their disagreement over their opening-lap clash at the Mexican Grand Prix after speaking to each other.

Speaking after qualifying in São Paulo, Hamilton said the drivers settled the dispute themselves rather than through Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, although PlanetF1 reports that Vasseur joined their discussion on Thursday night.

“I think we still have a huge amount of respect for each other,” Ferrari driver Hamilton said.

“And there’s been no demands from either side. It’s just been both giving our points and areas that we can do better and support each other,” Hamilton said.

“Of course there is tension. Of course, we want to finish ahead of each other, and sometimes we are not going to do things right,” Ferrari driver Leclerc said.

“I think it took on proportions that are way too big, but it has been around for way too long,” Leclerc said.

The incident occurred when Leclerc tried to pass Hamilton at Turn 4 on the opening lap in Mexico. Both drivers went off track, with Leclerc crossing the grass and rejoining ahead.

Leclerc received a five-second penalty for gaining a lasting advantage. Max Verstappen passed Hamilton and won the race.

Hamilton felt the incident had cost him a chance to win and had called for talks within Ferrari, claiming Leclerc raced him harder than other drivers.