Fred Vasseur believes Ferrari has eased the tension between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc after their costly confrontation in Mexico. In comments published by Motorsport.com on November 12, the team principal described a much friendlier atmosphere following discussions before the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

A conversation that changed the mood

Vasseur said the meeting helped clarify the situation and reset the drivers’ mindset. His most telling detail concerned their departure: “They left my room joking together.”

That offers encouragement after a very public disagreement, although the Frenchman also expressed hope that the improvement would last. A productive meeting can begin a reset; following through remains a job for the races ahead.

Why Ferrari needed a reset

The team-mates’ opening-lap battle in Mexico sent both cars wide and helped open the door for Max Verstappen to win. Hamilton subsequently called for a clearer understanding of how they should race each other.

Vasseur had already stressed that Ferrari’s interests must come first. Having two closely matched drivers is valuable when their pace produces a stronger combined result. It becomes harder to manage when their battles create opportunities for rivals.

Hamilton describes cleared air

During the Brazilian weekend, Hamilton also said he and Leclerc had spoken and resolved their disagreement. He emphasised their continuing respect and the value of discussing how they could support each other more effectively.

Both the driver and the team principal are therefore describing an improvement in relations. That does not remove the rivalry: each still wants to be faster and to win when the opportunity appears. Cooperation has to work alongside that competitive instinct.

The track will provide the test

For Ferrari, the practical question is how the discussions translate into decisions at starts, during strategy calls and in direct battles. The next time both cars fight for the same position will reveal more than a reassuring media appearance.

For now, Vasseur has grounds for cautious optimism. The drivers have talked, the mood appears better and the team has restated its priorities. Whether the truce holds under fresh pressure will be decided over the remaining races, rather than inside the meeting room.

Sources: Motorsport.com · Sky Sports · Crash.net