Hamilton says talks still waiting on Leclerc

Lewis Hamilton says Ferrari’s showdown talks after the Mexican GP have still not happened, with Charles Leclerc en route to Brazil following the birth of his daughter.

"We’ll have a meeting," Hamilton said at Interlagos.

"I don’t think everything will be resolved in just one meeting. But it’s important."

Hamilton said he understood Leclerc’s family commitments, but he has not backed away from his criticism of what happened in Mexico.

"We could have achieved a 1-2 finish in Mexico, and we need to make sure that doesn’t happen again," said the seven time world champion.

When asked directly whether Leclerc races him harder than other opponents, Hamilton replied: "Yes."

Pressed to explain, he added: "No, it’s as you can see."

"Look at Singapore, he was next to someone and he lifted off the gas. So that’s different. And it was the same with Vettel and with Sainz."

Hamilton also rejected Frederic Vasseur’s suggestion that the Mexico behaviour from both drivers showed disrespect towards Ferrari.

"I always have the utmost respect for the team," he insisted.

But he insisted his push for change will continue.

"I know how well-connected and deeply rooted Charles is in this team," said the Briton.

"It’s certainly not easy for him to have someone like me come along and demand so many changes. But that’s not going to change."

Max Verstappen believes Ferrari’s underlying problem is straightforward.

"They have two number 1 drivers, which means that both will always do everything to win," said the Red Bull driver.