Ferrari advised to support Hamilton over Leclerc for title hopes
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 11:45 AM
Last updated Aug 29, 2026
Former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley suggested Ferrari should back Lewis Hamilton to improve their chances in the 2026 drivers' championship. At the recent Dutch Grand Prix, Hamilton expressed dissatisfaction with team strategy while competing with teammate Charles Leclerc. Hamilton finished fourth in the race and is now tied on points with George Russell, while trailing leader Kimi Antonelli by 59 points. Smedley emphasized that Ferrari must prioritize Hamilton's success to maximize their standing in the championship. The next race is the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where Hamilton is looking to capitalize on positive momentum.
- •Smedley recommends Ferrari prioritize Hamilton for title contention.
- •Hamilton finished fourth at the Dutch Grand Prix.
- •He is tied with Russell in points, 59 behind Antonelli.
- •The Italian Grand Prix at Monza is next on the calendar.
- •Hamilton expresses confidence in competing this season.
- 11:45 AMMotorsport.com — Ferrari urged to back Lewis Hamilton as Guenther Steiner issues team order warning
- 2:03 PMYahoo Sports — Ferrari told to back Hamilton over Leclerc to have an 'impact on title battle'
"Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner believes Ferrari must establish clear rules of engagement and back Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc if the Maranello outfit wants to stay in the 2026 championship fight. Ferrari's internal dynamic came under scrutiny after the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, where contrasting strategies led to friction between the drivers. Hamilton ...Keep reading
"Former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley believes Ferrari should start backing Lewis Hamilton if it wants a shot at winning the 2026 drivers' title. At the Dutch Grand Prix, Hamilton was not satisfied with Ferrari's decision.
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comAug 29, 2026, 11:45 AMFerrari urged to back Lewis Hamilton as Guenther Steiner issues team order warning
Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner believes Ferrari must establish clear rules of engagement and back Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc if the Maranello outfit wants to stay in the 2026 championship fight. Ferrari's internal dynamic came under scrutiny after the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, where contrasting strategies led to friction between the drivers. Hamilton ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 2:03 PMFerrari told to back Hamilton over Leclerc to have an 'impact on title battle'
Former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley believes Ferrari should start backing Lewis Hamilton if it wants a shot at winning the 2026 drivers' title. At the Dutch Grand Prix, Hamilton was not satisfied with Ferrari's decision.
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