Nico Rosberg disputes Ferrari priority for Lewis Hamilton in 2026 title race

Nico Rosberg stated that Ferrari cannot prioritize Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc during the 2026 championship season. Speaking after qualifying at the Italian Grand Prix, the former driver argued that both are elite competitors and that implementing team orders this early would be unfeasible. Hamilton had previously requested a formal rules of engagement structure similar to his time at Mercedes, where he experienced frequent on-track friction with Rosberg. The internal tension remains a point of concern following a race weekend at Monza that featured a collision between the two teammates and a heavy crash for Leclerc on the second lap. While Hamilton finished sixth, teammate Antonelli climbed from 19th on the grid to secure a victory that extended his championship lead.

• 6:32 PMYahoo Sports — Rosberg delivers verdict Hamilton won't want to hear on Ferrari team orders