Ferrari's handling of Hamilton and Leclerc comes under fresh fire

The relationship between Hamilton and Leclerc has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks, with tensions between the Ferrari teammates boiling over at the Mexican Grand Prix. Their opening-lap battle for the lead resulted in both drivers running off the track, costing the Scuderia a potential one-two finish and leaving Hamilton furious with his teammate's approach.

The seven-time world champion subsequently called for clearer rules of engagement, questioning the way Leclerc had raced him and demanding discussions with team principal Fred Vasseur. The situation became serious enough for the Frenchman to organise a private meeting ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, where both drivers were reminded that Ferrari's interests must come before their individual ambitions.

Massa, who represented Ferrari between 2006 and 2013, believes the situation requires a more structured approach, particularly when the team is struggling to deliver competitive machinery.

Speaking on the High Performance podcast, the Brazilian suggested that the relationship between Ferrari's drivers has become more difficult because the team is not performing at the level expected.

Massa believes the absence of clear guidelines can create unnecessary complications, particularly when both drivers are attempting to establish themselves as the leading figure within the team.

The former Formula 1 driver argued that Ferrari should address these issues before a season begins, rather than waiting for disagreements to emerge during the championship.

His remarks suggest that Ferrari's difficulties are not necessarily limited to the relationship between Hamilton and Leclerc, but also concern how the team establishes expectations and manages competition between its drivers.

To explain how Ferrari could improve the situation, Massa pointed to the system used during his partnership with Kimi Räikkönen.

The Brazilian and the Finn raced together at Ferrari between 2007 and 2009, winning consecutive Constructors' Championships in 2007 and 2008. Raikkonen also secured the 2007 Drivers' Championship, which remains Ferrari's most recent title in that category.

According to Massa, the team had established a clear agreement that allowed both drivers to compete freely during the early stages of the season, provided they respected each other and avoided compromising Ferrari's results.

However, Massa stressed that allowing teammates to compete remained an essential part of the arrangement, provided both drivers understood their responsibilities towards the team: "I think the respect is something that needs to be very strong from the drivers, for the team, but you are free to race."