Lewis Hamilton has demanded answers from Ferrari after a difficult Sao Paulo Grand Prix where he finished ninth, his worst result of the season apart from a DNF in Spain. The result marks the first time this year that the seven-time world champion has finished outside the top six on a Sunday.
Charles Leclerc also struggled for pace at Interlagos, finishing eighth after a post-race penalty. Hamilton's result could have been better were it not for another communication mix-up with the Ferrari pit wall, which proved costly late in the race as heavy rain began to fall. While most drivers headed to the pit lane for intermediate tyres, Hamilton stayed out after being called in, telling race engineer Carlo Santi that he had not been clear enough about the weather. That left him on slicks for another lap on a soaking track, costing significant time and nearly causing a crash.
Hamilton's frustration and pace struggles
Aside from a strong launch from 20th on the grid, where he started due to engine penalties, Hamilton struggled for pace in both wet and dry conditions. He said: "Devastated by [Sunday's] race, especially with how it ended. It started so well, but we struggled with the tyres and massive oversteer. In those conditions, it made things incredibly difficult."
He added: "I pushed as hard as I could, but we just didn't have the pace this weekend. We'll work to understand why and come back fighting at the next race. The team worked so hard on the car all weekend and I'm grateful for every bit of that effort. Ultimately, this isn't the race we wanted to deliver."
Internal row and Elkann's intervention
The disappointing race came a week after Ferrari threw away a win in the Mexico City Grand Prix when their drivers squabbled for the lead on the opening lap. Hamilton started on pole, but Leclerc had a strong launch from third and was alongside by turn one. After a few corners, Leclerc went off track and returned in the lead, earning a time penalty that dropped him behind Max Verstappen, who had also slipped past Hamilton. Verstappen went on to win.
Hamilton was publicly furious with his team-mate's actions, and clear-the-air talks were held before the Brazil race. The conversation was overseen by team principal Frederic Vasseur, who, according to Italian media, was instructed by Ferrari chairman John Elkann and other senior Maranello leaders on how to handle the situation.
Vasseur refused to give details of what was said but told media the situation had been resolved. He said: "The guidelines are always the same. They are two competitors with a fighting spirit for sure, but they need to have respect for each other. But, mainly and firstly, they need to respect the brand, the team, the people working at home, the people working on track. I think we are putting a lot of effort on this and the message was clear and will stay clear."
Hamilton and Leclerc both told reporters that their differences had been addressed during the conversation.
