2016 Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg believes it is not feasible for Ferrari to prioritise Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc in the 2026 title fight. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after qualifying at Monza, Rosberg dismissed suggestions that the Italian team should throw its full support behind the seven-time champion to close the gap in the standings.
"They can't do that," Rosberg, who partnered Hamilton at Mercedes from 2013 to 2016, said during the broadcast. "They have two No. 1 drivers, both on a similar level. You cannot, now in the middle of the season, put everything just working towards Lewis. It's way too early, and that doesn't make sense." Rosberg acknowledged that such backing would improve Hamilton's title chances, but noted that the team cannot disregard Leclerc at this stage.
Before the Italian Grand Prix, Hamilton trailed championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 59 points, while Leclerc was 87 points behind. Rosberg highlighted that in the last five races, the Ferrari drivers have been all over each other, costing performance and points. "Of course, it costs them performance, and Lewis championship points eventually, but the team cannot do that at this stage against Leclerc. It's not feasible," he added.
Rosberg also assessed the title race dynamics for the main event. "It is a big race for the championship today. It's the chance for George, Lewis, actually also Lando, to make up some big points. But Lando is kind of out of it today, he has not been fast enough this weekend. Lewis also, we were expecting a bit more from him in qualifying but, nevertheless, he's still fourth, has a good race car so he can be on the podium. Not sure he can fight for the win," Rosberg concluded.
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