"We failed so we had to react" - Fred Vasseur on Ferrari driver talks and Mexico F1 fallout

On Friday, Ferrari's team principal Fred Vasseur plans to bring Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc together in Sao Paulo to discuss their opening lap clash during the Mexico race. Hamilton enters the meeting still supporting his team principal, but he has cautioned that resolving the issue through a single conversation is unlikely.

The two Ferrari drivers engaged in a fierce battle on the opening lap, allowing Max Verstappen to secure a victory that Ferrari had hoped to claim. Hamilton began the race from pole position and ultimately finished in second place.

Following the Mexican Grand Prix, Vasseur allegedly accused both drivers of lacking respect towards the team's staff. Leclerc's absence from the joint meeting after the race delayed the planned sit-down. Vasseur had spoken to each driver individually before the planned meeting, hoping to facilitate a proper discussion once all three were in the same location.

However, Leclerc skipped Thursday's media day after announcing the birth of his child with his wife Alexandra earlier that day. As a result, Hamilton and Vasseur hadn't met in person since the Mexico race.

Despite the tension, Hamilton still believes in Vasseur and has acknowledged the need for improved communication. During a recent media session, Hamilton addressed the upcoming meeting and emphasized the importance of understanding among the drivers and the team. He also expressed that he does not expect the issue to be entirely resolved in just one meeting.

Hamilton has previously backed Vasseur, praising him for taking Ferrari in the right direction after expressing support for team principal Christian Horner in a previous interview.

This situation is not the first time Ferrari drivers have had to discuss their racing dynamics. Similar discussions took place after the Monza race, where Leclerc's mistake cost Ferrari a potential victory at their home Grand Prix. Vasseur is scheduled to address the media at the FIA press conference at 14:30 local time on Friday, prior to practice sessions, and is likely to be questioned about whether he has finally managed to bring his drivers into the same room.