Ferrari Vasseur Hamilton Leclerc tensions, Digi Mart USA News: Ferrari appeared to be seeking calm on Friday ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix in São Paulo, with team principal Frédéric Vasseur attempting to ease tensions after a week of friction between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
The dispute followed an incident during the Mexican Grand Prix, when Hamilton criticized his Monegasque teammate for nearly making contact with him early in the race, which he said ended their chances of victory. On Thursday Hamilton said he was “still frustrated” and that a discussion would take place when the team returned to Europe.
Leclerc, who had returned to Europe this week to be present for the birth of his daughter, was accused by Hamilton of being more aggressive toward him than toward other drivers on the grid. Vasseur said the two had spoken the previous evening, when Leclerc was due to travel back to Europe between the two races, and that the conversation had gone well.
“It was good to discuss and clarify my position and theirs. It was a good thing to do,” Vasseur said.
He added that the team was now turning the page and focusing on the next race, noting that the guidelines remained the same and that frustration had built up because the drivers start each weekend side by side.
Vasseur stressed that both drivers are fierce competitors but must respect each other, as well as the brand, the team, and the people working at the factory and on the track. He said the message from the meeting was that Ferrari comes first, above all for the brand, employees and Tifosi.
The outcome of the weekend could also be shaped by the championship standings. Kimi Antonelli has already secured the individual title, and Mercedes could clinch the constructors’ championship as early as Sunday, holding a 26-point lead over Ferrari.
Ferrari will try to delay that outcome and leave the crisis behind.
