Ferrari prepares meeting as tensions between Hamilton and Leclerc persist

Ferrari is preparing for a difficult meeting as tensions between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc continue into the Brazilian event. The issue has emerged just as the team is regaining competitiveness: the SF-26 is once again giving both drivers a car with which to target pole positions and victories.

The Scuderia has made a marked recovery over the last three races, scoring more points in the constructors’ championship than any other team. Yet as Ferrari appears to have overcome some of the problems that weighed on its season, the relationship between its drivers on track has become an issue to address.

The opening corners of the Mexico Grand Prix continue to dominate the discussion. The incident involving the two drivers compromised a race that could have brought Ferrari a different result and exposed tension that had not eased after the finish. In Mexico, the team ultimately finished second and fourth, after having been in contention for a win, or even a one-two finish.

At Interlagos, Hamilton reaffirmed the position he had expressed after the race in Mexico. He had called for “serious talks” within the team. Since that event, the driver, Leclerc and Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur have not had the chance to sit down together.

The purpose of the meeting would not be to decide who was at fault in Mexico, but to establish a shared principle: when a Ferrari is in a position to win, an internal battle must not put the team’s interests at risk. The challenge is to preserve recent progress without allowing the rivalry between the drivers to undermine results.

Hamilton has also acknowledged that joining a team already closely connected to Leclerc could make it harder for him to settle in. “It’s not so easy having someone like me come into a team,” he said, referring to his forthright manner and his drive to push for change. He also noted that Leclerc had been there for a long time and was firmly established within Ferrari.

The Briton said he had tried to build a good relationship with his team-mate and bridge the gap between them. “I’ve always respected that, and I’ve really worked with the team to build a good relationship with Charles, bridge the gap and make sure we move forward together,” he said. He added that he would continue to push the team, while believing it could fight for the championship the following year.

Ferrari therefore approaches the meeting with two priorities: maintaining the collective momentum seen in recent races and making clear how its drivers should handle their battles when victory is at stake.