Ferrari handed clear message over Hamilton and Leclerc after Villeneuve advice
Photo: Race Pictures
Updated: 16:30, 18 Jun
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Kieran Lynch
Ex-Formula One world champion Jacques Villeneuve claimed that Ferrari should already start backing Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc in the title fight against Mercedes, and his comments have caused quite the stir with GPblog readers.
Speaking to Sky Sports in Barcelona, Villeneuve said Ferrari should make the decision after just seven races of the 2026 season, if they are to have any realistic chance of taking the fight to Kimi Antonelli and George Russell for the championship. “Internally at Ferrari, they just re-signed Leclerc two races ago for the best contract ever, lifetime contract. But who’s actually getting the points, who’s going to the front? Lewis. That will create a little bit of an issue internally as well. Lewis is in the hunt for the championship, Leclerc isn’t, so will they need to start making decisions at some point? They will need to put everything in their bag if they want to fight for the championship.”
Leclerc, who joined Ferrari in 2019, was long seen as the driver who could end their long wait to win the drivers' championship, which they last won in 2007 with Kimi Raikkonen. The Monegasque convincingly took the upper hand over Hamilton in 2025, but the seven-time world champion has bounced back strongly in 2026, taking his first win for Ferrari at the Barcelona GP.
Hamilton, who also finished second in Monaco, has taken 43 points out of a possible 50 over his last two races. Leclerc is 40 points behind Hamilton, after crashing in Monaco and retiring late on with a mechanical issue in Barcelona.
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GPblog readers have their say on Ferrari team battle
With Villeneuve making his views clear on which driver Ferrari should prioritise in 2026, it was put to GPblog readers whether the Italian outfit should follow his advice and back Hamilton over Leclerc or not.
And the readers have had their say, an overwhelming 81.1% believe Ferrari should already start backing Hamilton over Leclerc in their bid to challenge Mercedes for the drivers' championship. Only 18.9% of you believe Ferrari should still treat them equally and not to back Hamilton over Leclerc.
As ever, there was more to be said in the comments, while some argued that Hamilton stands as Ferrari's best chance to win the title, others said that they would be "jumping the gun" to make the decision at this time.
"Leclerc has had 7 seasons to shape Ferrari in his image so he could challenge for the championship. Unfortunately he has failed, yes he is one off the quickest one lap drivers. Does he have that x factor to win a championship - I don't get that vibe from him."
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"Ferrari picking a clear #1 this early? Risky. But if Lewis is P2 in the standings and Charles is nowhere after two DNFs, you kinda have to back the guy with momentum."
"Leclerc is not the person to push the team towards a championship. As fast as he is and as much as I like him he just doesn't have the leadership qualities required. But! While I think Lewis does have those qualities I think saying he's going to be their saviour after one win is jumping the gun. Putting the cart before the horse. Counting your chickens before they hatch. Etc."
Hamilton backed to win eighth title
Photo: Race Pictures
Another ex-F1 racer meanwhile has backed Hamilton to win his eighth championship and his first in six seasons. Riccardo Patrese, who finished runner-up in the 1992 championship behind Williams teammate Nigel Mansell, believes a title triumph can't be ruled out for the Ferrari star.
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Speaking to a betting platform, Patrese explained: "When you see how emotional he got on the podium, it shows how much he has had to suffer before he comes out of his black tunnel. He is getting back to where he used to be. We must not forget that Hamilton won seven championships and more than a hundred Grands Prix. And anyway, even if he goes bloody slow as last year, you need to respect him for what he achieved and what he has done. Everybody needs to stay silent and stop telling him what he should do."
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