Hamilton and Leclerc battle for Ferrari leadership as 2026 cars test drivers

Ferrari's internal question of who leads the team has not been settled in 2026, with the latest clash between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in Mexico highlighting the ongoing rivalry. Leclerc has struggled to adapt to the 2026-spec cars, which demand a less intuitive driving style. He has said the cars are forcing drivers to do things they have never done before, and that this versatility may benefit them in the long term.

Team boss Fred Vasseur acknowledged that Leclerc's habit of an extra push in qualifying does not always pay off under the new regulations, but said he has made significant gains through the season. Vasseur also noted that the reset required to change driving habits built over two decades is a major challenge for all drivers.

Hamilton, whose first season at Ferrari in 2025 was difficult, has improved considerably in his second year, according to the team's account of the situation.