Hamilton's Edge Over Leclerc Predicted to Spark Ferrari Internal Issues

Lewis Hamilton's strong start to his Ferrari career is already creating complications within the team garage. With the seven-time champion outscoring Charles Leclerc and securing four of the Scuderia's six podiums, questions are emerging about Ferrari's driver hierarchy just months after committing to Leclerc long-term.

Why it matters:

Ferrari handed Leclerc a lucrative contract extension reportedly running beyond 2030, while Hamilton is tied only until 2027. That disparity, combined with Hamilton currently scoring 61% of the team's points and sitting 40 points clear of his teammate, risks creating a politically charged environment at Maranello. If the points gap persists, the team's decision to prioritize Leclerc as its franchise driver could face uncomfortable scrutiny.

The details:

• Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve highlighted the potential for internal friction, noting Leclerc received what he called a "lifetime contract" while Hamilton is the one delivering results on track.
• Leclerc has suffered back-to-back scoreless races, dropping from third to fourth in the drivers' standings and falling 31 points behind George Russell.
• Team principal Fred Vasseur struck a cautiously optimistic tone, stating he felt "more positive" about Leclerc's weekend in Barcelona than in recent rounds despite an unresolved brake-by-wire issue forcing strategic compromises.
• Leclerc himself conceded he needs to match Hamilton's level, admitting disappointment after failing to capitalize on Ferrari's upgrade package in Spain.

What's next:

The narrative around Ferrari's driver pairing will likely intensify as the season progresses. Leclerc must rediscover his consistency quickly to justify his status as the team's long-term cornerstone and prevent Hamilton's shorter-term arrival from destabilizing the pecking order. With Ferrari pushing hard on development, the next few races will determine whether this becomes a genuine rivalry or a lingering source of internal tension.