Martin Brundle noticed a significant difference in how Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc raced each other during the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix, despite previously expressing serious doubts that Ferrari’s internal discussions would change their behaviour. Following the controversial clash between the teammates in Mexico, the two drivers appeared to give each other noticeably more space when they came together on track at Interlagos.
The change was particularly interesting because Brundle had questioned whether Fred Vasseur’s efforts to address the tensions would make any meaningful difference. Both drivers had publicly indicated that their disagreement was resolved, but the former Formula 1 driver expected their competitive instincts to take over once they found themselves fighting for position again. Their first major encounter in Brazil provided an early opportunity to assess whether Ferrari’s message had been understood.
Martin Brundle questioned whether Ferrari had resolved Hamilton and Leclerc tensions
The difficulties between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc intensified following the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix, where their opening-lap battle proved costly for both Ferrari drivers and ultimately helped Max Verstappen secure victory.
Hamilton subsequently criticised his teammate for failing to prioritise the interests of the team, adding another complication to an already competitive relationship.
In response, Fred Vasseur arranged discussions with both drivers to review what had happened and establish how they should approach similar situations in future. The objective was to prevent another incident in which their attempts to beat each other damaged Ferrari’s overall result.
By the time Formula 1 arrived at Interlagos, both drivers maintained that the disagreement had been settled. The discussions involving Fred Vasseur, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc appeared to have brought an end to the immediate controversy.
However, Martin Brundle remained unconvinced that the underlying rivalry would become any less intense.
Speaking on Sky Sports before the Brazilian Grand Prix, the former driver argued that neither competitor was likely to change his natural approach to racing. In his assessment, both were fundamentally determined to beat their teammate, particularly when important results were at stake.
Brundle suggested that drivers might publicly reassure the media that their disagreements had been resolved, but such declarations did not necessarily reflect how they would react when racing wheel-to-wheel under pressure.
He expected the Ferrari pair to continue fighting aggressively, even if both understood the importance of avoiding another collision.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc show more racing room at Interlagos
The first meaningful test came just nine laps into the São Paulo Grand Prix, when Charles Leclerc caught Lewis Hamilton as the British driver’s early momentum began to disappear.
Hamilton had started from the back of the grid but produced an exceptional opening lap, gaining 11 positions. However, his impressive recovery was followed by a deterioration in performance, particularly as he struggled with the rear tyres on his Ferrari.
That allowed Leclerc to close the gap and challenge his teammate for position.
Approaching the final part of the lap, Hamilton adopted a wider line through the section leading into Junção. The Monegasque took advantage by moving to the inside, although the British driver’s tighter exit allowed him to maintain better momentum as they accelerated away from the corner.
The two Ferraris continued racing alongside each other along the pit straight. Despite the close contest, Hamilton appeared to ease out of the battle before reaching Turn 1, allowing his teammate to move ahead without contact.
Commentating for Sky Sports, Brundle immediately highlighted the amount of space the two drivers had given each other. He also observed that Hamilton was experiencing considerable difficulties with his rear tyres.
For an observer who had been sceptical about the effectiveness of Ferrari’s discussions, the encounter offered a notable contrast with the aggressive driving that had contributed to the controversy in Mexico.
Ferrari team orders provide another test of the drivers’ cooperation
The first on-track battle was not the only occasion when the relationship between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc came under scrutiny during the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Later in the race, Ferrari instructed Leclerc to allow Hamilton through because the seven-time world champion was running on considerably fresher Soft tyres.
The Monegasque complied with the request without expressing any objections, providing another example of the cooperation the team had been seeking. However, the order between the two drivers changed again when rain returned towards the closing stages. Hamilton remained on track for an additional lap rather than immediately switching back to Intermediate tyres, a decision that proved costly and allowed Leclerc to regain the position.
The contrasting tyre situations and changing race conditions meant that the two Ferrari drivers continued to encounter each other despite having different strategies.
Nevertheless, their behaviour suggested a more measured approach to managing those encounters, with both the wheel-to-wheel battle and the later team order passing without a repeat of the Mexico controversy.
Charles Leclerc closes the championship gap to Lewis Hamilton
Although Ferrari’s drivers appeared more willing to cooperate at Interlagos, their internal competition remained important.
Charles Leclerc finished the Brazilian Grand Prix in eighth place, one position ahead of Lewis Hamilton. The result reduced the gap between them to just ten points in the Drivers’ Championship.
The season-long comparison between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton therefore remained a significant element of their rivalry, even as Ferrari attempted to encourage greater cooperation. For Leclerc, finishing ahead of his teammate carries particular importance given his previous record against Sebastian Vettel and, for much of their time together, Carlos Sainz. Maintaining that competitive standing is an important part of protecting his position within Ferrari.
Hamilton, meanwhile, has repeatedly emphasised his determination to push for changes that can help return the Scuderia to championship-winning form.
Beating Leclerc would naturally strengthen the seven-time world champion’s influence within the team, making their championship battle relevant beyond the points themselves.
The importance of that internal competition has also been explored in discussions surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s experience in his psychological battle with Charles Leclerc, as both drivers seek to establish their position within the Maranello organisation.
Fred Vasseur’s message appears to have reached Ferrari’s drivers
Following the events in Mexico, Fred Vasseur publicly reminded Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc that their responsibility was to compete for Ferrari rather than concentrate exclusively on their individual interests.
The team principal may also have reinforced that principle during the subsequent internal discussions, although the precise details of those conversations have not been disclosed.
That distinction matters because the wider debate surrounding Ferrari’s internal driver rivalry has raised questions about how the team manages two highly competitive personalities with their own ambitions.
Brundle’s observations in Brazil offered an indication that the message may have had an immediate effect. Hamilton and Leclerc continued to race competitively, but their first close encounter featured greater consideration for each other’s space, while the later position swap was completed without complaint.
The fact that those battles took place in the midfield rather than at the front of the field does not eliminate the significance of their behaviour. However, it remains to be seen whether the same restraint would be maintained in a fight for a victory or another major result.
For Ferrari, the Brazilian Grand Prix provided an encouraging sign that the discussions following Mexico may have helped establish a more cooperative approach. The rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc has not disappeared, but their conduct at Interlagos suggested they were at least prepared to manage it without compromising the team’s interests in the same way.
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