Hamilton blasts Leclerc's 'do or die' mentality after Mexican GP clash

The two Ferrari drivers found themselves at the centre of controversy in Mexico City after their battle at the start of the race. Hamilton was left frustrated by the encounter, while Leclerc ultimately went on to secure victory, with the Briton completing the podium in third place.

Speaking to the media after the race, Hamilton drew comparisons with the relationship between Leclerc and Carlos Sainz during their time together at Ferrari, recalling occasions when their battles allowed rival drivers to escape up the road.

Hamilton suggested that such situations become particularly damaging when both drivers are fighting at the front, where the consequences of losing positions can directly affect the team's chances of victory: "It is one thing when that's happening fourth and fifth, as opposed to first and second, and you lose the win. That's significant."

The Briton then delivered his strongest criticism, dismissing the suggestion that age might explain his teammate's approach and instead pointing towards a mentality that he believes can prove counterproductive.

Hamilton argued that securing a strong collective result should sometimes take priority over an individual driver's ambitions, pointing towards his own approach during a previous battle between the Ferrari teammates.

Despite his frustration, Hamilton stressed that he wanted Ferrari to find a more constructive way of managing situations involving its two drivers, particularly when the team has an opportunity to secure a major result: "For me, I'm happy for the team to have experienced that. But I'm hopeful we'll work towards a better place, a better working place in the future."