Lewis Hamilton stands firm on his tough words about Charles Leclerc during the Sao Paulo press conference.
Lewis Hamilton isn’t sorry for speaking his mind after his clash with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc in the opening lap of the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Sunday’s race in Mexico was full of excitement. Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli took the final podium spot and became the youngest Formula One world champion ever at just 20 years old. But the main story was about Hamilton and Leclerc, both during and after the race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Before turn four on the first lap, Hamilton was ahead when Leclerc went off the track and gained an advantage because he went too fast into the corner. Instead of giving the position back, Leclerc kept the lead, which really upset Hamilton. On the team radio, Hamilton said he “got pushed out by my own teammate.”
After the race, Hamilton even said Leclerc’s actions might have cost Ferrari the win, accusing him of “working against” him. “He’s 28 years old, so it’s not about age,” Hamilton said. “It’s more about mentality. It feels like it’s do or die — either he wins, or no one does. It shouldn’t be like that.” He added that they should be working together for a one-two finish because “that’s still a great feeling.”
Last weekend, Hamilton said they would sort things out privately. But at the Sao Paulo press conference on Thursday, when asked if Leclerc races him more aggressively than others, Hamilton just said, “Yes,” and didn’t want to explain more.
Despite reports that his words caused some team tension, Hamilton stood firm and refused to apologize. He said, “I don’t really care what people think. I speak honestly and wear my heart on my sleeve. Sometimes you might say things you regret later, but I don’t. I won’t apologize for being real and authentic, and I won’t be silenced.”
When asked again if Leclerc fights harder than other drivers, Hamilton made it clear. “Yes. I see what you see,” he said. “In Singapore, he was right alongside Max, wheel to wheel, fully on the inside, and he backed off.” He added the rivalry is different but reminded that his past teammates Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz were similar challenges.
Hamilton also talked about his relationship with Leclerc, who seems to have aimed a subtle dig at him after the Mexico race drama. “He’s been with the team a long time — eight years, nine wins — so he’s deeply connected to Ferrari, and I knew it would be a challenge.” Hamilton said he’s worked hard to build a good relationship with Charles, trying to keep things respectful and work well together. “It’s not always easy when someone like me comes into the team. I’m very outspoken and push hard for change.”