Vasseur thinks Hamilton's penalty "was very harsh" at the Mexico City GP

Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur thinks that the ten-second penalty that Lewis Hamilton was handed during the Mexico City Grand Prix for cutting a corner "was very harsh."

Following a strong display in qualifying, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton made relatively good starts. However, the two drivers ran into Turn 1 four abreast with pole-sitter Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.

In an attempt to avoid a contact with Hamilton, Leclerc ran wide and had to cut across the grass which sent him into the lead momentarily, but he immediately gave up the position to Norris.

The Monegasque was unable to keep up with Norris, and gradually fell back from the McLaren driver as the race progressed. Leclerc was able to run in relatively clean air, looking after his tyres.

However, with Verstappen enjoying the benefit of the soft tyres in the second half of the race, Leclerc had to defend his position in the closing stages of the 71-lap encounter. In the end, with the help of the late virtual safety car interruption, the Monegasque managed to hold on to P2 to record his second consecutive podium finish.

Although Hamilton looked in contention for his first podium finish with Ferrari, he was squeezed onto the grass by Verstappen in the opening stages of the race.

The seven-time world champion ran across the grass battling Verstappen and picked up a penalty for gaining an advantage. He dropped down the order to P14 after his pit stop, but he fought his way up to eighth position.

Commenting on Ferrari's weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, team boss Fred Vasseur noted: "Overall this has been a strong weekend for us.

"We had a good quali and today we had strong race pace, not compared to McLaren, but to everyone else. Lewis’ penalty was very harsh as he was unable to keep on the line and had to use the grass, which cost him four or five positions.

"It was always our plan to make just one pit stop with both cars. I was not too nervous at the end, when Max closed in on Charles, also because it’s very difficult to overtake here, so I’m not sure the VSC made much difference.

"Now we must already focus on the next race in Brazil and we have good momentum right now, although I remember that last year Sao Paulo was not our best weekend. However, we have learnt a lot over the past few weeks."

Signing off a word for Ferrari Academy Driver Ollie Bearman, Vasseur noted: "Finally, well done to Ollie Bearman, part of our family as a member of our Driver Academy. He has been quick all season, occasionally making some mistakes, but he has had a perfect weekend here.

"We are very pleased for him and for his team who did a good job getting both cars in the points," concluded the Frenchman.