The Hamilton Leclerc clash on the opening lap in Mexico City cost Ferrari a likely victory and a possible one-two, with Max Verstappen instead going on to win for Red Bull. Hamilton says the incident still needs to be discussed and believes his Ferrari team-mate races him harder than other drivers on the grid.
Ferrari's two drivers and team boss Frederic Vasseur are set to sit down together, but nothing had been arranged as of Thursday at Interlagos. Vasseur had flown back to the team's headquarters in Maranello and Leclerc had returned to Monaco for the birth of his first child.
Hamilton Leclerc clash compared to Singapore
Pundits have suggested Leclerc races Hamilton particularly aggressively, pointing to the first-corner fight with Verstappen at the Singapore Grand Prix last month as a comparison with Mexico. Asked whether he saw it the same way, Hamilton agreed.
"I see what you see. Singapore, he was fully [alongside], wheel to wheel, fully on the inside for the lead at Turn 1 Singapore, and I think it was definitely different."
Hamilton also pointed to Leclerc's previous team-mates, saying the dynamic was the same with Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz. He noted how long Leclerc has been at Ferrari — "is it eight years?" — and said the Monegasque is very much embedded within the team.
Monza flashpoint and the working relationship
The Mexico collision is not the first flashpoint of their two seasons together. At Monza in September, Hamilton was forced onto the gravel at the first chicane as the cars ran side by side, an incident Leclerc subsequently apologised for.
Hamilton said he had worked hard to build a harmonious relationship with Leclerc, while acknowledging that his own outspoken style makes his arrival at a team difficult. He said he would keep pushing for changes for as long as he is at Ferrari.
Ferrari meeting before the Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Hamilton, the only driver to speak to the media at Interlagos on Thursday, said his frustration had not faded. He said "naturally I was frustrated and I'm still frustrated", and that the conversations need to happen when time permits.
"I don't think everything's going to get squashed and sorted out in one meeting, but it is important what we build now will put us in the right position for next year."
He said he expected the talks to centre on communication and understanding, and that he would take responsibility for his own decisions rather than change his approach.
Hamilton's title target with Ferrari
Hamilton said he believes Ferrari can fight for the championship next year, citing the car's performance and reliability across the season despite a power deficit. He said the priority now is holding on to recent gains in execution while work continues on next year's car.
"I truly believe that this team can be fighting for the championship next year."
He said Vasseur's job is to keep everyone running in the same direction, with hard but fair racing and the team's best result as the aim.
Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Sky Sports F1
Formula 1 stays in Brazil for the final leg of the triple-header. Practice One starts at 3.30pm on Friday, with Practice Two at 7pm, both live on Sky Sports F1. Qualifying follows on Saturday and the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday.
This report draws on Sky Sports F1's coverage; the original can be read at skysports.com.
