2016 Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg has explained why Ferrari cannot prioritise Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc in the 2026 title race.
Ferrari wasted a golden chance to capitalise on a grid penalty for championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli at the Italian Grand Prix, as Leclerc crashed out and Hamilton could only manage sixth after a first-lap clash with his team-mate. Antonelli produced a stunning comeback victory at Monza, leaving Hamilton 76 points adrift with just 10 races remaining.
Despite suggestions that Ferrari should back Hamilton, Rosberg, who partnered Hamilton at Mercedes, insists it is not possible. "You're talking about Charles Leclerc, who is the golden boy at Ferrari and still has a mathematical chance to be world champion," Rosberg told Sky Sports F1. "So you cannot. Of course it would be good for Lewis to give him the best possibility, but you just can't as a team do that."
Hamilton, now 36 points clear of Leclerc, admitted after the race that it is "far too late" for such decisions. "We've lost so much ground to Mercedes on points," said the 41-year-old. "It's too late. All I can do is turn up and give my best."
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur argued it is still too early to throw full support behind one driver. "If McLaren had put everything on Piastri last year, Max Verstappen would have been champion," he reasoned. "At one stage you have to decide, but before Monza it was too early."
Read Also
F1 Spanish GP 2026 in Madrid is set for extreme heat up to 33°C. Check the weather forecast and potential FIA Heat Hazard protocol at the new Madring circuit.
Max Verstappen has admitted holding serious talks with McLaren and Mercedes before deciding to stay with Red Bull until 2030.
Honda believes the Madrid GP will better suit their package. Orihara highlights handling and energy after two mixed Spec 2 races.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!