Ferrari Urged to Manage Hamilton-Leclerc Battles After Close Calls

Former F1 driver Timo Glock has called for Ferrari to establish clear team orders between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following several intense on-track battles in the early 2026 season. Glock warns that the intra-team rivalry, while thrilling for fans, could hurt the Scuderia's championship ambitions if it leads to lost positions or an incident.

Why it matters:

With both drivers performing at a high level, Ferrari faces the classic dilemma of managing two top talents without stifling their competitive spirit. Unchecked battles risk unnecessary points loss, strategic disadvantages like battery drain, and the potential for a costly collision. How the team handles this dynamic will be a critical test of its championship management.

The Details:

• Glock's comments follow wheel-to-wheel fights between the pair at the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix, where they battled for the final podium spot.
• The German driver stated the team must "take a stand" and intervene clearly "as soon as the team experiences a disadvantage," such as losing positions or compromising energy reserves.
• He acknowledged Leclerc's slight edge in consistent pace but highlighted Hamilton's strong return to form, noting he has "confidence and fun in racing" again with Ferrari.
• The context of Glock's analysis is amplified by a separate, unusual incident in Japan where Lando Norris revealed an accidental, system-induced overtake on Hamilton, prompting further calls for the FIA to review energy deployment regulations.

The Big Picture:

Ferrari's 'problem' of having two closely matched drivers fighting at the front is a positive sign of the team's competitive resurgence in 2026. However, history shows that intra-team conflicts can derail a championship charge. The team's leadership must now find a balance between allowing fair racing and implementing strategic control to maximize constructors' and drivers' points, a challenge every top team with dual alpha drivers eventually faces.

What's Next:

All eyes will be on Ferrari's team radio and pre-race briefings at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix. The team may opt for a more structured approach, especially in race scenarios where the cars are close on track and battling rivals from other teams. How Hamilton and Leclerc respond to any new directives will also be key, as maintaining driver morale and trust is as important as securing the optimal team result.