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Ferrari seek reset after costly Hamilton-Leclerc clash

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In short

Internal discussions took place ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix to resolve driver tensions after a first-lap incident cost the team a potential one-two finish in Mexico. Team principal Frederic Vasseur addressed the situation to ensure both competitors maintain professionalism and put collective priorities first. Lewis Hamilton had publicly criticized the clash and urged the team to review its engagement guidelines, though management affirmed its operational expectations will not shift. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc sat out Brazil's opening practice session after arriving late following the birth of his child.

Key points

  • Frederic Vasseur reiterated that Ferrari expects both drivers to compete with mutual resp…: Frederic Vasseur reiterated that Ferrari expects both drivers to compete with mutual respect and prioritize the team's overall interests.
  • Team management emphasized that the drivers are required to work professionally together…: Team management emphasized that the drivers are required to work professionally together without the expectation of being personal friends.
  • Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff likened the intra-team friction to the past rivalry ex…: Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff likened the intra-team friction to the past rivalry experienced between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

SAO PAULO, Nov 6 : Ferrari held talks to clear the air after a costly clash between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at last weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix, with team principal Frederic Vasseur saying the pair had now moved on and turned their focus to the Sao Paulo race.

The meeting followed Hamilton’s public criticism of the opening-lap incident, which derailed Ferrari's hopes of a one-two finish, with the Briton saying again on Thursday that he remained frustrated by what had happened.

"We did it yesterday evening," Vasseur told reporters at Interlagos on Friday. "It was good to discuss, good to clarify my position and their position. It was good to do, and now we turn the page and we are focusing on the next one."

Leclerc, who became a father this week, arrived in Brazil on Thursday but missed the first practice session, with youngster Dino Beganovic standing in for the Monegasque.

Hamilton started from pole in Mexico but lost out after a battle with Leclerc through the opening corners forced both Ferraris off track, allowing race winner…

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