Ferrari face major dilemma: “To win the title, they must back Lewis Hamilton”
Charles Leclerc’s victory at the British Grand Prix has reignited an uncomfortable debate inside Ferrari: should the Scuderia continue allowing both drivers to race freely, or is it finally time to establish a clear hierarchy in the fight for the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship?
According to former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley, the Italian team can no longer afford to remain undecided if it genuinely wants to challenge Mercedes for both championship titles.
Charles Leclerc delivered a hugely significant victory for Ferrari at Silverstone, securing the Scuderia’s 250th Grand Prix win in Formula 1 history. However, despite that success, Lewis Hamilton remains closer to the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings, making him, in Smedley’s view, Ferrari’s strongest title contender.
“I understand that it is a difficult decision and perhaps even one that goes against the normal principles of sport, but I believe it is the only realistic path available to Ferrari,” Smedley explained.
For the former Ferrari engineer, the situation is straightforward. With Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell currently leading the championship battle, Ferrari risks weakening its own title challenge by splitting race strategies, resources and points between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
“If Ferrari try to beat Mercedes purely by having the faster car while at the same time giving both drivers complete freedom to race each other, their chances of winning the Drivers’ Championship will be significantly reduced,” Smedley added.
Smedley then delivered what is likely to become one of the most debated opinions following the British Grand Prix.
“As extreme as it may sound, the most realistic strategy is to put Lewis Hamilton in the best possible position to fight for this championship until the very end.”
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