MEXICO CITY -- Lewis Hamilton told Ferrari they have "big, big problems" after he was pushed out of the lead by teammate Charles Leclerc at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Hamilton and Leclerc went off track together while fighting for the lead on the opening lap.
"Just got pushed off by my teammate," Hamilton said.
Leclerc had attempted to pass Hamilton around the outside but had gone straight on over the chicane, inheriting the lead and getting a five-second time penalty as a result.
Hamilton had dropped behind Max Verstappen as he rejoined.
Verstappen pitted the same time Leclerc served a five-second penalty, moving into the lead of the race at Ferrari's expense.
However, Verstappen's lead was neutralised by a red flag on Lap 46.
As he returned to the pits, Hamilton's radio made it clear about his feelings.
"We've got big problems," he said. "Big, big problems."
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The issue appeared to stem from the move and the fact Leclerc kept the lead.
Both Ferrari drivers went off without contact, but Leclerc effectively cut the rest of the corner and took the lead, while Hamilton rejoined just after the point he had left the track.
Ordinarily, a driver would give the place back after gaining a position by going off track, but Verstappen moving ahead of Hamilton meant that was never likely.
Hamilton at one point enquired about whether a penalty was incoming.
"What's the latest with Charles?" Hamilton said.
When told Leclerc was given a five-second penalty to serve at his next pit-stop, Hamilton was confused.
"The problem with a five-second penalty is that he's got clean air," Hamilton told Ferrari on Lap 24. "He doesn't have to manage [tyres] like the rest of us. Should just give the positions back."
Two laps later, Hamilton radioed again, referencing a discussion the drivers' had in their customary meeting with the FIA every race week.
"The stewards have basically handed Charles this win. We agreed in the drivers' briefing," the 41-year-old said.
Valtteri Bottas spun into the barriers on Lap 45, triggering a Safety Car which eventually brought out a red flag while the marshals fixed the barriers.
After a 30 minute delay, Verstappen led the pack off the line as Hamilton blasted past Leclerc to take second, and finished the race there. Leclerc crossed the line down in fourth.
Hamilton and Leclerc have had a tense relationship this year.
The two almost collided at the start of the Italian Grand Prix, where Hamilton ended up in the gravel after going wheel to wheel with Leclerc.
Leclerc then crashed out two laps later.
