Ferrari’s ongoing debate over its driver hierarchy has intensified following tensions between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, with former Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo calling for clear rules and strong leadership rather than automatically designating a number one driver. The controversy, which escalated at the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix, has raised questions about how Fred Vasseur should manage two drivers with their own Formula 1 world championship ambitions.
In recent weeks, Ferrari has once again found itself at the centre of controversy, this time sparked from within the team itself. The situation came to a head in Mexico, when Lewis Hamilton made strong accusations against Charles Leclerc, claiming, among other things, that his teammate’s sole objective was to beat him. The episode brought a difficult question back into focus at Maranello: should Ferrari establish a clear hierarchy between its drivers?
Ferrari’s driver hierarchy dilemma grows after Hamilton-Leclerc tensions
There is no denying that Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have crossed paths on track too often during the 2026 Formula 1 season, taking valuable points away from one another, particularly in the Constructors’ Championship. Their rivalry has also complicated the decisions facing Ferrari’s pit wall, which has made questionable strategic calls in an effort to avoid team orders, misunderstandings or suspicions of favouritism.
The situation has placed further pressure on Fred Vasseur, who must balance the individual ambitions of both drivers against Ferrari’s wider interests. Although the team principal can still take some time before deciding whether a formal hierarchy is necessary, the issue will have to be addressed when the competition becomes more intense.
The wider debate over Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s relationship within Ferrari has already raised questions about how the Scuderia should manage its two leading drivers. Their respective performances throughout the season can also be explored through the Charles Leclerc versus Lewis Hamilton head-to-head statistics.
Luca di Montezemolo calls for clear rules and strong Ferrari leadership
Even Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, the former Ferrari president who made clearly defined driver hierarchies almost a hallmark of his management approach, is hesitant about imposing a traditional number one and number two structure in the current atmosphere at Maranello.
Speaking to Sky Sport, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo explained why managing Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc presents such a difficult challenge for Ferrari.
“It seemed clear to me from the beginning that Hamilton would come to Ferrari to win his eighth title and end his career, but after so many years, Leclerc also wants a title, because he is no longer particularly young,” the former Ferrari president said.
“Managing these two drivers, each with their own objectives, is not easy. I’m not saying that you have to label one as number one and the other as number two, but there must be clear rules and strong leadership to make that possible.”
His comments highlight the distinction between establishing a fixed driver hierarchy and ensuring that both drivers understand the rules governing their competition. For Ferrari, the challenge is not simply deciding who should receive priority, but ensuring that the pursuit of individual success does not come at the expense of the team’s results.
Fred Vasseur has already addressed the relationship between the two drivers following the Mexican Grand Prix controversy, with the Ferrari team principal revealing that Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc cleared the air during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend. Nevertheless, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo’s remarks underline the importance of establishing a framework that can withstand the pressure of a more intense championship battle.
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