Speaking from the Interlagos paddock ahead of the upcoming
Missed Opportunity and Team Dynamics
Reflecting on the missed potential in Mexico, where Hamilton started from pole position and finished second while Leclerc crossed the line in fourth, the veteran driver praised the team's recent development efforts. He noted that Ferrari has made significant progress with upgrades, allowing them to outscore their rivals over the past few races. According to Hamilton, the team was well-positioned for a one-two finish before the contact occurred.
When asked if he felt Leclerc raced him with more aggression than other competitors on the grid, Hamilton responded affirmatively, though he declined to elaborate further. He did, however, suggest that the dynamic within the team is not entirely new, noting that similar patterns of internal competition had been observed during the tenures of previous Ferrari drivers Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz. In response to the broader team situation, Fred Vasseur remarked that, with hindsight, he would have managed the team differently throughout the current season, though he did not provide specific commentary on the Mexico incident.
A Milestone in Brazil
The Sao Paulo Grand Prix marks a significant milestone for Hamilton, as he prepares to start his 400th Grand Prix. Recalling his 300th race at the 2022 French Grand Prix—where he finished second behind Max Verstappen—Hamilton expressed his ambition to mark the occasion with a victory. The Brazilian circuit holds special significance for the driver, who secured his first world title there in 2007 and has since achieved three race wins and seven podium finishes at the venue. Having been named an honorary citizen of Brazil, Hamilton returns to Interlagos looking to move past the frustrations of Mexico and focus on the milestone event.
