Ferrari smouldering conflict between Hamilton and Leclerc: Ralf Schumacher calls for a firm stance

When will Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc clash? The two keep getting in each other’s way, and it usually becomes clear that neither is willing to back down.

Ferrari’s strategy at the Dutch Grand Prix played out in such a way that, in the end, both exceptional drivers were annoyed and felt they’d been short-changed. The Italians managed to squander a podium finish with such a fast car, and afterwards, seven-time Formula 1 champion Hamilton and nine-time Grand Prix winner Leclerc had had enough. Both drivers believe they were disadvantaged by Ferrari’s strategy.

Leclerc was quicker in the first part of the Grand Prix, but in the second part Hamilton closed the gap. Of course, it was clear what was about to happen. Hamilton on the radio: “I’m faster than Leclerc, my tyres are better.” Translation: Let me past Charles, for goodness’ sake.

Ferrari wanted to bring Leclerc in, but Charles wasn’t up for it; he stayed out two laps longer than planned. Hamilton on the radio, furious: “We’re just losing time here!” Then again: “What a fabulous way to waste time – great job, lads!”

Leclerc later played the innocent. Charles: “Well, I was never asked to give up my position. I focused on my pace and tried to do my best in my race. Yes, there was a discussion over the radio – but that was about which lap would probably be best for my pit stop, regardless of Hamilton behind me.”

Topic of the week

Ferrari row with Hamilton and Leclerc: Team principal Vasseur must now step up

Ferrari came away empty-handed at the Dutch Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton finished fourth, Charles Leclerc fifth. Afterwards, both drivers were angry, and team principal Fred Vasseur found himself having to explain the situation.

Mathias Brunner

Read more

TV program

Live

Monza: 1. Freies Training

FIA Formula One World Championship

04.09.2026 - 12:15

In truth, Ferrari should have swapped positions straight away to maximise their chances of a podium finish.

Hamilton grumbled after the race: “I’m here to win; that’s my only thought. It’s not easy to watch a situation unfold in the race where Mercedes reacts immediately and does the right thing. Mercedes asked Kimi to let George past so he wouldn’t lose any time.”

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur admitted afterwards: “We probably could have done better, but it was also difficult to explain the situation to Lewis over the radio without revealing our plan to our rivals, and that led us to this decision.”

Grand Prix winner Ralf Schumacher followed the whole affair closely and, speaking on the Sky podcast ‘Backstage Boxengasse’, said of the situation at Ferrari: “I can certainly understand a certain amount of frustration. But situations like this should always be sorted out internally, and not via pit-to-car radio or in post-race interviews.”

“They’ll both have to sit down and have a proper chat, and I think the boss should put his foot down now. Because, at the end of the day, it’s about Ferrari, not the drivers.”

“I find Hamilton’s behaviour, in particular, unacceptable. At his age and with his status, he could handle such a situation differently. I’d remind you of the difficulties Hamilton faced in 2025, when he received a lot of support from the team. So it’s not right for him to publicly criticise the team now.”

Ralf Schumacher on his time as a Formula 1 driver: “Well, back in our day, something like that would never have happened. Frank Williams would have given me a kick up the backside, and Technical Director Patrick Head would have done the same anyway. The team must be a united front. That can only work if everyone stands together as one. It seems Leclerc and Hamilton still have to learn to pull in the same direction.”