Hamilton and Leclerc clash leaves Ferrari facing fallout after Mexico GP

Ferrari's trouble began on the opening lap of the Mexico City Grand Prix on November 1. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton collided, and Leclerc received a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage, according to Sydney Morning Herald.

Hamilton had started from pole, his first in 1,197 days, The42 reported. Leclerc started third at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, according to Motorsport. Their fight immediately put Ferrari's opportunity to win under strain.

The first-lap dispute centred on Leclerc cutting a chicane to take a position, the BBC reported on November 1. The penalty addressed the advantage he gained, rather than simply the fact that the teammates had made contact.

Hamilton finished second as Verstappen won the race, according to La Repubblica. Leclerc finished fourth after leading the early stages, Rss reported.

Hamilton's criticism went beyond the immediate manoeuvre. On November 1, Sky Sports reported that he described his teammate's driving as "a mentality thing". He also said Ferrari needed "serious talks behind closed doors", according to the BBC.

Leclerc accepted that he deserved the penalty and said he had wanted to give the position back to Hamilton, according to Rss. But he rejected the idea that he alone was responsible for the lost victory.

By November 2, the criticism also concerned both drivers. Team Principal Fred Vasseur was angry with Hamilton and Leclerc and criticised their conduct as disrespectful to the Ferrari brand, nu.nl reported.

The penalty is not the main point of disagreement now. Leclerc has accepted it, while Hamilton's complaint concerns what their battle cost Ferrari. Hamilton said the team could have finished first and second, according to ANSA.it.

That result remains a missed possibility, not a certainty. The coverage presents different views of responsibility: Hamilton criticises Leclerc's choice, Leclerc disputes sole blame, and Vasseur has criticised both drivers. None of the supplied reports establishes an agreed account within Ferrari.

The immediate issue is whether Hamilton's requested talks produce clearer limits for racing between teammates. The supplied coverage does not report that those discussions have happened or that Ferrari has announced new rules.

Rosberg has called for Ferrari and Frédéric Vasseur to establish clear rules for the drivers' battles, according to Rss. That is a proposal from outside the team, not a confirmed Ferrari decision.