Lewis Hamilton is using his clash with Charles Leclerc in Mexico to assert himself as Ferrari’s undisputed number one driver, former F1 racer and pundit Martin Brundle has suggested. At Turn 4 on the opening lap of the Mexican Grand Prix, Leclerc’s overtaking attempt backfired, earning him a five-second penalty and handing victory to Max Verstappen instead of a Ferrari.

Hamilton’s frustration after the incident was clear. He accused Leclerc of undermining him and expressed his desire for deeper internal discussions within Ferrari ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix. “He races me harder than any other driver,” Hamilton said, acknowledging the tight bond between Leclerc and the Scuderia but underscoring his ambition to elevate the team’s status with an eye on next year’s title fight. “Everyone needs to be on the same page for this,” he stressed.

Brundle: “not the smartest” move

Brundle dissected the incident live on Sky F1, branding Leclerc’s move “not the smartest in his career and life.” He pointed out the high-risk nature of Leclerc’s attempt around the outside at Turn 4, describing it as a 75-25 gamble against his teammate that ultimately failed to benefit Ferrari.

“Lewis has realised, here’s a chance to actually make a bit of ground on this, because that was a bit silly,” Brundle explained.

Highlighting the evolution of Formula 1 teams, Brundle reflected on how driver status within a sprawling 2,000-strong team has become increasingly complex. “You’re measured as an individual sports person in a team environment… It’s almost becoming impossible,” he said, drawing parallels with the recent dynamics between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. “Where do you stand as a driver? This is a new challenge.”

Hamilton’s radio message and Ferrari talks

Brundle doubled down on his theory that Hamilton is capitalising on the controversy to carve out greater influence at Ferrari. “I think Lewis has realised there’s a really good platform to carve himself out more of a number one spot there, more clout in that situation. He’s not going to let that go,” he asserted.

The former driver also revealed that Hamilton’s post-race radio message—“We’ve got big problems here, big problems”—was directed at Ferrari’s Italian management, not his rivals on track.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed that the internal talks Hamilton demanded took place Thursday night in Interlagos, although he maintained that the team’s guidelines remain unchanged. The fallout from the Mexico clash continues to dominate headlines, with Leclerc having finally broken his silence amid Hamilton’s ongoing criticism.

This battle for supremacy within Ferrari signals a tense and potentially transformative chapter for the Scuderia as it gears up for the next championship campaign. Former world champion Damon Hill has also urged Ferrari to make Hamilton clear number one, while Valtteri Bottas has said the pair are on good terms.