Lewis Hamilton’s remarkable revival at Ferrari has reignited debate about the Maranello team’s internal hierarchy, championship ambitions, and long-term direction. However, former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard believes Charles Leclerc has little reason to panic, even as Lewis Hamilton continues to strengthen his position within the Scuderia.
Over the past several months, the Briton has transformed himself from a driver adapting to a new environment into a genuine Formula 1 title contender. Following his breakthrough victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion has significantly reduced the gap to championship leader Kimi Antonelli and has re-established himself as one of the most dangerous drivers on the grid.
At the same time, Charles Leclerc has endured a more complicated period. Reliability issues, missed opportunities, and a series of frustrating weekends have prevented the Monegasque driver from maintaining momentum in the championship battle. His retirement in Barcelona due to a power steering problem only intensified the contrast between the fortunes of Ferrari’s two drivers.
As a result, discussions have increasingly focused on whether Ferrari is gradually becoming more centered around Lewis Hamilton, particularly after the British driver helped guide the team back to race-winning form.
Some observers have even suggested that Ferrari may eventually prioritize Lewis Hamilton’s championship challenge if the points gap continues to move in his favor. With the seven-time world champion significantly closer to Kimi Antonelli in the standings ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, such speculation is perhaps inevitable.
Yet David Coulthard believes the bigger picture remains far more reassuring for Charles Leclerc.
Why David Coulthard believes Charles Leclerc should stay calm
Speaking on the Up to Speed podcast, David Coulthard suggested that Charles Leclerc is experienced enough to understand the reality of competing alongside one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history.
The former Grand Prix winner argued that racing against a seven-time world champion naturally comes with challenges, and occasional periods of being outperformed should not be viewed as a crisis.
According to David Coulthard, Charles Leclerc may have initially found life alongside Lewis Hamilton slightly easier than expected when the British driver first arrived at Ferrari. During the early stages of their partnership, Charles Leclerc generally maintained the upper hand and continued to establish himself as the benchmark within the team.
However, David Coulthard pointed out that signs of Lewis Hamilton’s resurgence were already visible much earlier in the season. He referenced several intense on-track battles and competitive performances that hinted the seven-time world champion was gradually rediscovering the form that made him one of the sport’s most successful drivers.
In David Coulthard’s view, the current situation reflects Lewis Hamilton returning to his highest level rather than the 28-year-old suddenly losing his abilities.
That distinction is important because it changes the narrative surrounding Ferrari’s internal battle. Rather than a decline from Charles Leclerc, David Coulthard sees a scenario where Lewis Hamilton is once again operating close to his peak.
Ferrari’s long-term future still revolves around Charles Leclerc
One of the key reasons David Coulthard remains relaxed about Charles Leclerc’s prospects is the difference in career timelines between Ferrari’s two drivers.
Charles Leclerc recently committed his future to Ferrari through a long-term agreement that is widely expected to keep him at Maranello well into the next decade. The Monegasque driver remains one of the youngest and most valuable assets on the Formula 1 grid, making him a central part of Ferrari’s long-term vision.
Lewis Hamilton, by contrast, is in a very different phase of his career.
While the British driver continues to perform at an exceptionally high level, David Coulthard suggested it is difficult to imagine Lewis Hamilton remaining in Formula 1 indefinitely. Although Fernando Alonso continues to challenge conventional expectations regarding age and longevity in the sport, very few drivers have successfully competed into their mid-forties.
For that reason, David Coulthard believes the Monegasque’s position within Ferrari remains secure regardless of how successful Lewis Hamilton becomes over the next few seasons. Even in the most extreme scenario, where the Briton continues winning races and potentially captures another world championship with Ferrari, Charles Leclerc would still have time on his side.
The former Formula 1 driver essentially argued that Ferrari’s long-term project extends well beyond the remaining years of Lewis Hamilton’s career.
Is the gap between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc being exaggerated?
Despite the recent focus on Lewis Hamilton’s impressive form, the overall competitive picture inside Ferrari remains remarkably balanced.
Statistics from the current season suggest that the difference between the two drivers is far smaller than some narratives imply. While Lewis Hamilton has undoubtedly enjoyed the stronger run of results in recent weeks, the head-to-head battle remains extremely close when analyzing qualifying sessions, sprint events, and race performances where both drivers have been classified.
That reality is often overlooked amid the excitement generated by Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari victory and growing championship challenge.
It is also worth remembering that several factors beyond outright pace have influenced the points standings. Reliability problems, strategy outcomes, and race incidents have all played a role in shaping the current gap between the Ferrari teammates. Charles Leclerc’s recent retirement in Spain serves as a perfect example. The Monegasque driver lost valuable points through circumstances largely outside of his control, while Lewis Hamilton capitalized on a flawless weekend to secure maximum reward.
Such moments can dramatically alter perceptions, particularly in a championship fight where momentum often becomes a powerful storyline.
Ferrari may ultimately benefit from having two elite drivers
For Ferrari, the most encouraging aspect of the current situation may be that both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc remain capable of delivering race-winning performances.
While many teams rely heavily on a single driver to carry their championship hopes, Ferrari possesses two proven talents who can challenge at the front when given the right machinery.
David Coulthard believes this dynamic should ultimately strengthen the team rather than create concern. Lewis Hamilton’s experience, technical knowledge, and leadership qualities continue to help Ferrari evolve, while Charles Leclerc’s speed and long-term commitment provide stability for the future.
Rather than viewing the situation as a battle for survival, Ferrari may see it as an opportunity to combine two different strengths in pursuit of the same objective. As the 2026 Formula 1 season progresses, Lewis Hamilton will continue chasing championship leader Kimi Antonelli, while Charles Leclerc will look to recover lost ground and reassert himself within the title fight.
But according to David Coulthard, regardless of how the current season unfolds, Ferrari’s future remains bright. Lewis Hamilton may be enjoying one of the strongest periods of his Ferrari career, but Charles Leclerc’s place at the heart of the Scuderia’s long-term plans appears as secure as ever.
