Why Charles Leclerc didn’t yield Mexico GP lead after cutting Turn 5

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc explained his controversial decision to retain the lead at the Mexico Grand Prix after cutting Turn 5. The incident occurred when Leclerc challenged his team mate Lewis Hamilton for the lead, with both cars going wide at Turn 4. While Hamilton recovered and lost a position to Max Verstappen, Leclerc continued on, cutting Turn 5 and staying ahead.

Leclerc later recounted that he and Hamilton both attempted to brake late, but neither car made the corner. He added that the situation was confusing after Turn 5, when Max Verstappen appeared between the two Ferraris. Leclerc admitted he didn't have clear feedback from the Ferrari team, so he kept his position and expected a penalty.

Hamilton was displeased with Leclerc's move, repeatedly complaining to race engineer Carlo Santi on the radio. However, Leclerc played down the intra-team incident, stating that there was little margin between the two drivers and that they both made mistakes into Turn 4. He hoped the situation wouldn't be a major talking point, acknowledging that the fights for the lead were close, but he paid the price for his mistake with a penalty.

Leclerc worked to regain ground on Verstappen, who cut his deficit by a few tenths by the time Leclerc pitted. Despite the penalty, Ferrari's four-time world champion comfortably took the lead and went on to finish the race fourth under the chequered flag.