Hamilton says Leclerc races him harder than other drivers

Lewis Hamilton has said Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc races him more fiercely than other drivers, agreeing with the suggestion when asked directly. He pointed to the Singapore race start, where Leclerc backed out of a potential move for the lead on Max Verstappen, and said the same had been true of his earlier teammates.

The comments follow a clash between the pair on the opening lap of the Mexico City Grand Prix, which allowed Verstappen to slip through and win. Hamilton, who had started from pole position, questioned Leclerc's approach after the race and said he would not be silenced ahead of the Brazilian round.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur declined to assign blame to either driver and said the discussions with them would remain private.