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Hamilton stands by his criticism of Leclerc

Lewis Hamilton defended his remarks about Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc after their opening-lap contest in Mexico. Speaking in São Paulo, he said he felt Leclerc raced him harder than other opponents and wanted better communication within the team. A face-to-face discussion involving the two drivers and team principal Fred Vasseur had not yet taken place.

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Side view of the front wheels and wings of two red Formula 1 cars alongside each other during the opening-lap contest in Mexico; drivers are outside the frame.

Hamilton defends his Mexico remarks

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton maintained his criticism of teammate Charles Leclerc ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix. Speaking in São Paulo on November 5, he said he intended to continue expressing his views openly after their dispute over the opening lap in Mexico.[1], [2]

Hamilton said he felt Leclerc raced him harder than other Formula 1 opponents. He referred to Mexico’s opening lap and also compared it with Leclerc’s wheel-to-wheel contest against Max Verstappen in Singapore. Hamilton rejected the suggestion that his radio comments during the Mexican race had been calculated. His assessment concerned his own experience of racing his teammate.[1]

A joint meeting had not yet happened

Hamilton said he had not yet met face to face with Leclerc and Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur to discuss the situation. He explained that Vasseur had been in Maranello, Ferrari’s base in Italy, while Leclerc was in Monaco after the birth of his first child. Hamilton said there was still time to talk, but he did not expect one meeting to settle every issue.[1]

Hamilton seeks changes inside Ferrari

Better communication was among Hamilton’s requests as he discussed efforts to change Ferrari’s working methods. He acknowledged his own share of responsibility for the team’s progress. Hamilton also described challenging for next season’s championship as his objective. The drivers had previously disagreed at Monza, after which Leclerc apologised; the new comments followed their more recent contest in Mexico.[1]

References

  1. News sourceSky SportsHamilton discusses his on-track battles with Leclerc↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceDPA via Yahoo SportsHamilton stands by criticism of Leclerc↩

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