Ferrari Boss 'Aims Dig' at Lewis Hamilton as Damning Brazil GP Assessment Made

Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur has been accused of aiming a dig at Lewis Hamilton after the Brazilian Grand Prix.

It was an afternoon to forget for Ferrari at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace in Sao Paulo as both of their drivers failed to finish the race.

Hamilton, who started in 13th place after a dismal qualifying session, saw his race ruined by the end of the first lap as he made contact with Carlos Sainz and Franco Colapinto.

As a result, the seven-time world champion dropped to the back of the field and had to pit for a front wing change.

Hamilton's car also sustained floor damage, which ruined the handling and the overall pace.

On Lap 39, the Brit was told to pit again, but this time, to retire from the race.

In Leclerc's case, his race ended on Lap 6 after he was hit by Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who was the meat in a McLaren-Ferrari sandwich.

Leclerc, Antonelli and Piastri were involved in a dramatic incident. Image: Getty

The collision, which occurred at the safety car restart, saw Oscar Piastri trying a move on the inside of Turn 1.

However, as he approached the corner, the Australian locked up and hit Antonelli, sending the teenager into the luckless Leclerc on the outside.

Leclerc saw his front left tyre come off and also sustained suspension damage, ending his race prematurely.

Charles Leclerc's race ended on Lap 6. Image: Getty

Reacting after the race, Ferrari team boss Vasseur appeared to aim a dig at Hamilton as he stated that he 'can't complain about the pace this weekend' but only from 'Charles' side'.

As per Auto Racer, Vasseur said: "Charles made a good start today. He started in a good position, the restart was perfect, he was P2 at that point, and then he paid the price for the contact between Piastri and Antonelli.

"Charles is not responsible. It's a severe punishment for him and the entire team. I can't complain about the pace this weekend, at least as far as Charles is concerned."

Reacting on social media, one fan said: "So Fred making a cheeky dig at Lewis with that last line. Well I am not surprised, I thought sooner or later he would throw Lewis under the bus."

Another tweeted: "This team deserves every single pain and misery for how they treat Lewis."

A third fan added: "Well Fred, Lewis was faster in the sprint race and none of them showed their pace in the race for obvious reasons so I don't really understand your comment!!!"

Lewis Hamilton issues apology after dismal Brazilian Grand Prix

Meanwhile, a dejected Hamilton issued an apology to the team following the race.

He said: "I'm sorry that I wasn't able to deliver a good result today. All I can say is; you can't give up, you've got to keep on trying, you've got to keep on pushing, you've got to keep on giving absolutely everything and it's not over until it's over.

"I know this is painful, but I really believe that hardships prepare us for something greater. And I really do believe that something is up ahead for us, something positive is up ahead for us. I've got to believe that."

F1 will return next weekend with the Las Vegas Grand Prix.