Sao Paulo (AFP) - Briton Lewis Hamilton said he is still frustrated by the events that occurred at Ferrari during the Mexican Grand Prix last week, noting that he has not yet had any discussions about the first-lap incident that dashed their hopes of achieving victory.

Published on: 06/11/2026 - 09:45

In statements he made in the maintenance area at the Interlagos Circuit ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix scheduled to be held this weekend, the 41-year-old driver explained that the French team manager, Fred Vasseur, returned to Italy in the period between the two races.

In turn, Charles Leclerc, who had contact with him during a sharp first lap, and overtook him by going off the track, also returned to Europe to spend some time with his family in Monaco, following the birth of his first child.

"I was frustrated, and I still am," Hamilton said. "Discussions have to be had, and we will do so when circumstances allow."

He added, "Fred has returned to Europe to be with the team, and Charles is, of course, spending his time with his family."

He continued, "We had a chance to win for the team. The team did an amazing job by providing updates this year, and they worked with all their energy to reduce the gap, in light of the level of strength that we possess."

He added, "I think they did an amazing job... You saw us making big qualitative leaps, and we also scored more points than any other team in the last three or four races. We could have easily finished first and second (in Mexico), so we must definitely work to ensure that what happened does not happen again."

Hamilton started from pole position for the first time since 2023 and the 105th in his career, and finished the Mexico race in second place, while Leclerc finished in fourth place.

Hamilton added that he believes that Leclerc competes with him in a more aggressive manner compared to other drivers, as he answered “yes” to a direct question, then added, “I cannot say more.”

He later pointed out that this situation falls within a recurring pattern within Ferrari: “If you look at his teammates... it was the same with (German) Sebastian (Vettel), and it was repeated with (Spaniard) Carlos (Sainz).”

For his part, Ferrari director Vasseur said that, “if we look at things in retrospect,” he would have managed the team differently this year, but he did not make direct comments about the problems that occurred in Mexico.

Sir Hamilton will compete on Sunday at the Interlagos Circuit in his 400th race in the first category.

"It's my 400th race, which is almost unbelievable! I remember when I was approaching my 300th race, everyone was saying: 'Once you reach the 300th race, you can't win again!'" the Ferrari driver said.

The winner of 106 grand prizes continued, saying, “But I won my 300th race, so I think my goal now is to strive to win my 400th race.”

Hamilton's 300th race was in France in 2022, where he finished second behind Dutch Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.

The return of Hamilton, who received the title of an honorary citizen from the Brazilian authorities, to Interlagos brings with him beautiful memories, as he won his first title in 2007, scored three victories and climbed to the podium seven times during 18 races.

© 2026 AFP

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