Ferrari faces internal tension between Hamilton and Leclerc

Tensions have risen within Scuderia Ferrari following the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, where strategic decisions sparked conflict between teammates Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Hamilton expressed significant frustration via team radio after being held up by Leclerc while on a faster pace and fresher tires. The incident led Hamilton to sarcastically criticize the pit wall, though he later issued a public apology on social media, stating his outbursts were not his ‘best version’ and were driven by passion for the team.

Former F1 figures, including Rob Smedley and Ralf Schumacher, have weighed in on the internal dynamics. Smedley argued that Ferrari must prioritize Hamilton to secure the 2026 Drivers’ Championship, suggesting the team should ‘get behind’ him to maximize championship points. Conversely, others noted the difficulty of managing two elite drivers, with some commentators describing the situation as a ‘first real test’ of the Hamilton-Leclerc relationship.

Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur noted that while the car's race pace was strong—potentially outperforming Mercedes—the team struggled with qualifying performance and execution. As the team prepares for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza, they are also considering technical upgrades, including a redesigned turbocharger, to improve power output and competitiveness.