Former team principal Otmar Szafnauer has advised Ferrari to avoid a formal intervention with Charles Leclerc regarding his form. He suggests the team should offer support rather than conduct performance reviews as Leclerc contends with teammate Lewis Hamilton.
The intra-team momentum at Ferrari has shifted towards Hamilton during the 2026 season. Hamilton currently holds second place in the Drivers’ standings with 169 points, while Leclerc is in fourth with 138 points.
When asked on the High Performance Racing podcast if Ferrari should speak with Leclerc about his performance, Szafnauer was direct.
“No. Leave him alone. I would not have a conversation, but be supportive.”
The season began with Leclerc winning two of the initial three head-to-head battles against Hamilton. However, Hamilton secured his first victory for Ferrari at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, a weekend where Leclerc faced significant issues.
During qualifying in Barcelona, Leclerc crashed, and a subsequent hydraulic failure forced his retirement from the race. Following persistent issues, particularly a crash at the Monaco Grand Prix attributed to brake problems, Leclerc made a technical change.
He switched from Brembo to Carbone Industries brake discs and pads for the Barcelona event, aligning his car with the setup Hamilton had been using. The change involved only the friction materials, with the calipers remaining Brembo components.
Former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley commented on Leclerc’s situation, suggesting the driver has appeared ‘slightly lost’. Smedley noted this is the first time in a while that a teammate has held a significant upper hand on Leclerc.
Smedley linked Leclerc’s difficulties to his discomfort with the SF-26 car, particularly surrounding the braking system modifications. “Charles wasn’t happy with the car,” Smedley stated, referencing the component changes.
Despite the deficit, Leclerc secured a victory at the British Grand Prix, leading a Ferrari podium with Hamilton. This marked a recent improvement in form, with Leclerc finishing ahead of Hamilton in the last three races before the summer break.
Szafnauer acknowledged Hamilton’s early-season advantage but believes the dynamic is changing. “Lewis at the beginning of the year… was a little bit more ahead of Leclerc than he is now,” Szafnauer explained. “I think Charles has stepped it up.”
