Lewis Hamilton wants Ferrari talks ahead of 2026 Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix after intra-team battle with Charles Leclerc

Lewis Hamilton admits that face-to-face talks between himself and Ferrari team mate Charles Leclerc need to take place at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend after their on-track battle in Mexico.

Hamilton started on pole and finished second last weekend at the Mexico City Grand Prix, but believed a potential 1-2 was lost after going side-by-side with Leclerc on the opening lap.

Leclerc was handed a penalty for cutting the track, while Hamilton dropped behind Max Verstappen and was never able to recover the position.

Speaking on Thursday ahead of the Sao Paulo weekend, Hamilton said talks between himself and Leclerc were yet to take place as the Monegasque driver was back home due to the birth of his first child, while Team Principal Fred Vasseur had also been back in Europe at the factory.

“The energy in the team is really great. I think they’ve been doing an amazing job. We’ve really done a great job in these last few races, scored more points than anybody,” said Hamilton.

“I think we really levelled up, I would say particularly over the last four races with some changes we’ve implemented and our execution has been so much better, which is what we’ve been working towards.

“I’m so happy to see that. Of course, we should have easily had a 1-2 last race and so we’ve got to work to make sure that [it] never happens again. Ultimately, I 100% know my responsibility for the team, that’s never wavered and never will.”

While unhappy about the situation in Mexico, Hamilton admitted that having an intra-team battle this season, which has brought up issues, was better to have in 2026 with the championships already lost.

The seven-time World Champion also believes that setting a foundation and rules of engagement will be imperative if Ferrari are to challenge for the title in 2027.

“I don’t think everything is going to get squashed and sorted out in one meeting but it is important,” added Hamilton.

“What we build now will put us in the right position for next year. In some ways, I’m glad we had that experience.

“Of course, I’d rather we won and had a 1-2, but from that you can learn and we can only really get stronger.”