James Hinchcliffe, former IndyCar driver and current F1 TV pundit, believes Ferrari is embracing the intensifying intra-team rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. According to him, this is exactly what Maranello wanted when they signed the seven-time champion.
After a challenging debut season with Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton bounced back in 2026. He has adapted to the team and the new regulations, securing his first podium at the Chinese Grand Prix and his first win at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. He currently sits third in the drivers' standings with 191 points, 101 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli. Leclerc is fifth with 167 points.
Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Hinchcliffe was asked if Hamilton's resurgence had created an unforeseen headache for team principal Fred Vasseur. "I think they're happy to have the problem," he said. "I don't think Ferrari would sign somebody that they were anticipating to be slower and subservient to Charles, to the 'Ferrari Golden Boy'."
Hinchcliffe added that everyone knows what Hamilton is capable of, and Vasseur has seen it from the beginning. "So, no, I think they were more surprised last year at the lack of issue they had with this because Lewis wasn't up to the same pace as Charles, and that this year is really more what they were expecting to have, and frankly, it's what they want."
He believes having two drivers pushing each other will make the team better. "Yes, at some point it might bring up some difficult conversations and some difficult decisions, but that's a privileged position to be in. It's one that they hope, if they get the car right next year, that we'll be having similar conversations next year, but talking about the championship implications of who they should back."
Hinchcliffe's comments highlight the intriguing dynamic in the Ferrari garage. A healthy rivalry can fuel performance but also demands careful management from Vasseur. With Hamilton's form growing stronger, the pressure on Leclerc increases, and both drivers will continue to push the limits to bring Ferrari back to the top.
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