Ferrari fireworks at Suzuka: Charles Leclerc pulls off daring pass on Lewis Hamilton – VIDEO. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton engage in a fierce on-track battle at Suzuka,.

The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix delivered a thrilling intra-team duel at Ferrari, as Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton went wheel-to-wheel in a tense and dramatic battle during the closing stages of the race.

With just over ten laps remaining, the two Ferrari drivers found themselves locked in a direct fight, pushing each other to the limit around Suzuka’s narrow and unforgiving layout.

Lap 41: Ferrari teammates on the edge

The intensity began to build on lap 41, when the Briton positioned his car defensively heading into the final chicane. Covering the inside line, he forced his Maranello teammate to look for an alternative route, maintaining track position as they accelerated toward Turn 1.

At that stage, Charles Leclerc reported over team radio that he was “losing a bit of time” while running behind his teammate, suggesting a growing sense of urgency to move forward. Despite the situation, Ferrari opted not to intervene, allowing both drivers to race freely without team orders.

This decision set the stage for an all-out fight between two highly competitive drivers, each determined to maximize their result.

Lap 42: decisive move and near contact

The battle reached its peak on the following lap. Once again approaching the final chicane, the two Ferraris ran extremely close, with only a fraction separating them as they braked and turned in.

There was a moment where contact seemed almost inevitable, highlighting just how finely balanced the fight had become. However, both drivers managed to avoid a collision in a display of precision and control.

Charles Leclerc then produced a superb exit from the chicane, carrying greater speed onto the start-finish straight. Using the slipstream effectively, he edged alongside Lewis Hamilton and completed the move into the high-speed Turn 1, securing the position in spectacular fashion.

Clean but aggressive racing within Ferrari

The overtake was a perfect example of hard but fair racing between teammates. Despite the high stakes and minimal margins, both drivers demonstrated respect and control, avoiding contact while pushing each other to the limit.

Such moments are always delicate for a team, particularly when both cars are fighting for valuable positions. Ferrari’s decision to avoid issuing team orders allowed the drivers to settle the battle on track, adding to the excitement for fans while also showcasing the competitive spirit within the team.

Impact on the race

Charles Leclerc’s successful move not only reshuffled the internal order at Ferrari but also had broader implications for the race outcome. Gaining track position at Suzuka is notoriously difficult, making this overtake particularly valuable in the context of the final laps.

The duel also underlined Ferrari’s strong race pace, with both drivers able to fight at a high level deep into the Grand Prix. As the race entered its closing phase, the focus shifted to whether Charles Leclerc could capitalize on his new position and continue his charge forward.

In a race already filled with action, the Ferrari battle stood out as one of the defining moments of the Japanese Grand Prix.