Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has insisted he has "no regrets" over his criticism of Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc following their clash at the Mexican Grand Prix, adding that he will not apologise for speaking his mind.
Leclerc attempted to overtake Hamilton around the outside of Turn 4 on the opening lap of at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, but the move ended with both Ferrari drivers running off the track, compromising their chances of victory. Hamilton lost a position to eventual race winner Max Verstappen in the aftermath, while Leclerc was penalised for leaving the track and gaining an advantage. The sanction eventually dropped the Monegasque behind the Red Bull driver.
During a red-flag period towards the end of the race, Hamilton told his team over the radio that Ferrari had "big problems". He was also critical of Leclerc's approach, suggesting the Monegasque's mentality was one of 'either I win or none of us do', before calling for "serious talks" within the team.
Speaking to the media in Brazil on Thursday, four days after the incident, Hamilton stood by his post-race remarks. He also revealed that the discussions were yet to take place, with team principal Fred Vasseur having returned to Europe and Leclerc away for the birth of his first child.
"I don't really care what anyone thinks about what I said, I wear my heart on my sleeve and I say how I feel in the moment," Hamilton said when asked if he was concerned about how Ferrari might view his comments. "I did see something that someone was saying that it's calculated the things that I'm saying and I just want to combat that with the fact that when you're in the race your heart rate is like 170, you're driving 200 miles per hour, you don't have time to be calculated what you're saying and thinking what you're saying the media are going to write about.
"You don't think about that, usually your frustration comes out towards the people in your team, particularly the bosses about decisions," he stated. "Of course, there's sometimes you say things and maybe you might regret it afterwards. I don't and I'm never going to apologise for being authentic and real and I'm not going to be silenced. I have not been asked to not say anything and that's just the way it is."
Leclerc joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016 before making his Formula 1 debut with the Scuderia in 2019. The 29-year-old has since become an integral part of the team, something Hamilton recognises could make his push for change more challenging.
“He is very much embedded within the team and I knew that it would always be a challenge, I’ve always respected that,” Hamilton added. "I've really worked hard to build a good relationship with Charles and bridge the gap and make sure that we're harmonious and work hard together.
"Naturally it's not so easy having someone like me come into a team because I'm very outspoken and I push and push and push for so many changes and I'm going to be pushing for more and as long as I'm here that's how it's going to be.
“I’m here to win and to be able to win you have to work with everyone around you. I truly believe that this team can be fighting for the championship next year.”