Vasseur accuses Hamilton and Leclerc of disrespect after Mexico race

Fred Vasseur, team principal of the Italian Formula 1 team Ferrari, has sharply criticised his drivers, Britain's Lewis Hamilton and Monaco's Charles Leclerc, after the Mexican Grand Prix. The reason is their battle at the start of the race, which, in his view, wasted a chance to win. Formula 1 is the top level of international single-seater motor racing.\n\n## The incident after the start\n\nHamilton started from pole position, the first place on the grid, and hoped for a Ferrari one-two. In turns four and five after the start, he and Leclerc, who had started third, both ran off the track, although the two did not collide. Leclerc, who emerged in the lead, received a five-second penalty for cutting the track. The situation allowed Max Verstappen to pass Hamilton, and he went on to win. Hamilton finished second and Leclerc fourth.\n\n## Vasseur's comments\n\nIn an interview with Canal+, Vasseur said he was trying to swallow his anger, but considered what happened a lack of respect towards the brand, towards everyone working in the team and towards the effort they put in. He noted that the team had made a real step forward in performance, so throwing away a win in this way was a serious matter.\n\nAsked whether the criticism was aimed at Leclerc, whose move prompted the most discussion, Vasseur denied it and said he was unhappy with both. He added that Hamilton also ran very wide in the corner. The team principal reminded that Ferrari represents a brand and its sponsors, and that 2,000 people work behind the drivers. Vasseur plans to have a serious personal talk with both of them.