Hamilton calls for team order rules amid Ferrari tensions
Lewis Hamilton has expressed his dissatisfaction over team dynamics at Ferrari, particularly concerning Charles Leclerc’s performance during the recent race. The discussion arose after Hamilton lost positions he deemed critical, leading to calls for the introduction of formal rules regarding team orders, reports BritPanorama.
Hamilton commented, “When your teammate works against you, and then you lose positions like that, it’s definitely tough.” He highlighted a lack of clear “rules of engagement” within the team and questioned whether this would lead to changes in Leclerc’s approach. “Something needs to change for sure,” he added.
Reflecting on his observations as a competitor prior to joining Ferrari, Hamilton noted the intense competition between Leclerc and his teammate Carlos Sainz, which often resulted in missed opportunities. “Before I joined this team, when I was at Mercedes, I watched the back-and-forth between Charles and Carlos, where they were battling so much that the person ahead just pulled away,” he explained.
Hamilton differentiated between battles for lower positions and the gravity of losing a potential victory, stating, “But it is one thing when that’s happening in fourth and fifth, as opposed to first and second, and you lose the win. That’s significant.” He added, “The guy (Leclerc) is 28 years old, so I don’t think it’s an age thing. I think it’s a mentality thing.”
The tension within Ferrari is emblematic of broader challenges in Formula One, where intra-team rivalries can significantly impact race outcomes. Hamilton’s insights raise important questions about the need for strategic cohesion in high-stakes racing, a reminder that sometimes, even the best teams can be their own worst enemies.
