Hamilton says Leclerc races him harder than other rivals after Mexico clash

Lewis Hamilton said Charles Leclerc races him harder than other Formula 1 rivals, after their first-lap clash at the Mexico City Grand Prix cost Ferrari a likely victory and a potential one-two finish. The incident allowed Max Verstappen to win for Red Bull.

Hamilton told reporters that Ferrari needs "serious talks" to prevent a repeat, and he questioned Leclerc's approach in battles. He noted similar aggression from Leclerc at the Singapore Grand Prix, comparing it with the driver’s wheel-to-wheel fight with Verstappen at Turn 1.

"I see what you see. Singapore, he was fully alongside Verstappen, wheel to wheel, fully on the inside for the lead at Turn 1 Singapore, and I think it was definitely different. But, I mean, if you look at the teammates, it was the same with Sebastian, it was the same with Carlos."

Hamilton added that he has tried to build a good relationship with Leclerc and respect the long-time Ferrari driver, but acknowledged the challenge of integrating his outspoken style.

"He's been here a long time, is it eight years? He is very much embedded within the team, and I knew that it would always be a challenge. I've always respected that when I've approached the team."

The British driver said he remains frustrated about the Mexico incident and that a face-to-face meeting with team boss Frédéric Vasseur and Leclerc is pending, as Vasseur has been in Italy and Leclerc in Monaco.

"Naturally I was frustrated and I'm still frustrated about what happened in Mexico and the conversations need to be had, so we will have those when the time permits."

Hamilton emphasized that any discussion will focus on communication and responsibility, and he will continue to push for changes he believes will help Ferrari contend for the championship next season.

"I will make sure I'm always just authentically me, and I won't back down from taking responsibility for any part that I play and any decisions that I make for the team."

He also rejected claims that his radio comments during the race were calculated, insisting his remarks come from the heat of competition.

"When you're in the race, your heart rate is like 170, you're driving at 200 miles an hour, you don't have time to be calculating what you're saying."

Ferrari is set to compete in the São Paulo Grand Prix later this week, with the team hoping to learn from the Mexico incident and improve performance for the final races of the season.