Former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley has stated that prioritising Lewis Hamilton is the team’s ‘only strategy’ for securing the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championship. Smedley’s comments highlight a potential shift in Ferrari’s approach to the current season.
The remarks follow the British Grand Prix, where Charles Leclerc secured his first victory since 2024. Hamilton also achieved a podium finish at Silverstone, placing third in the race.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli currently leads the championship with 179 points. George Russell is second with 154 points. Hamilton sits third with 147 points, while Leclerc is fourth with 108 points.
Smedley, speaking on the High Performance Racing podcast, argued that Ferrari cannot afford for its drivers to take points from each other. Mercedes has won seven of the nine races held so far this season.
‘I actually think that doing something as extreme as that is the only chance Ferrari has of winning this world championship.’
He acknowledged that such a strategy goes against his personal philosophy of allowing teammates to race freely. However, Smedley believes the unique circumstances of this championship necessitate a bold decision.
Ferrari has maintained a policy of allowing Hamilton and Leclerc to race without team orders this season. Historically, Ferrari has employed team orders to bolster its championship aspirations, notably during Michael Schumacher’s era.
The Scuderia has not won a Constructors’ title since 2008. Kimi Raikkonen remains Ferrari’s last Drivers’ Champion, securing the title in 2007.
Hamilton’s 2026 season has shown strong form, including a third-place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix. He also secured consecutive second-place finishes in Canada and Monaco.
The seven-time world champion claimed his 106th career victory at the Spanish Grand Prix. His aggressive driving style and tyre management are reportedly suiting the lighter 2026 cars, allowing him to adapt effectively.
This situation presents Ferrari with a significant strategic dilemma as the 2026 Formula 1 season progresses.
