Lewis Hamilton’s accusation against Leclerc: Here’s what Ferrari team principal Vasseur has to say

After Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were involved in a fierce battle in Mexico – one that forced both off the track and ultimately meant neither of them could win the race – tensions were running high between the Ferrari team-mates. This tension has not yet dissipated, as the seven-time world champion demonstrated on Media Thursday at Interlagos.

Hamilton accused his team-mate of being tougher on him than on previous team-mates or other rivals. He quipped: “Look at Singapore – he was side-by-side with Max and he eased off the throttle. That’s quite different. And it was the same when he was battling against Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz.”

Does team principal Fred Vasseur see it that way too? Speaking on the sidelines of the Brazilian Formula 1 circuit in São Paulo, the Frenchman said: “I’m not sure Lewis said anything like that. He said that Charles drove a bit harder against him than against a few other drivers. But if you look at what Charles did in the first sector in Austin – everyone said it was magical. It’s a very fine line between these two drivers. But you also have to note that they didn’t make contact. So it wasn’t aggressive.”

A clear message for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc

The team had a discussion, the engineer revealed: “We talked about it last night, as I had to fly back to Europe between the two races. But it went well. It was also good that we discussed it, good that we clarified my position and their views. And now we’re closing this chapter and focusing on the next race.”

When asked what had changed, Vasseur explained: “The guidelines haven’t changed; they’re the same. But I think perhaps some frustration had built up. After all, they start side by side every weekend. But ultimately, the guidelines have remained the same: they must respect one another and acknowledge that they are both drivers with a strong competitive spirit. But first and foremost, they must respect the brand, the team and the people working back home and at the circuit. I believe this message is clear and will remain so.”

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