Onboard video shows Charles Leclerc holding off Lewis Hamilton at Spa-Francorchamps

Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari 2026 F1

A split-screen onboard video offers a striking view of the close battle between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton during the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix, showing the two Ferrari drivers fighting for position at high speed around Spa-Francorchamps.

The footage places the two onboard perspectives side by side, allowing fans to follow the confrontation from both cockpits. Charles Leclerc can be seen defending his position while Lewis Hamilton draws alongside and searches for a way past, with the two Ferrari cars separated by only a narrow margin.

Charles Leclerc defends as Lewis Hamilton applies pressure

From Charles Leclerc’s perspective, the challenge is to position the car carefully enough to protect the racing line without compromising the next braking zone. Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, uses the speed available on the straight to move alongside his teammate and increase the pressure.

The split-screen format makes the difference in each driver’s approach particularly clear. Charles Leclerc must monitor the Ferrari beside him while preparing for the next corner, whereas Lewis Hamilton has to judge whether he has gained enough overlap to complete the move safely.

At Spa-Francorchamps, those decisions are made at extremely high speed. The Belgian circuit’s long full-throttle sections can create overtaking opportunities, but drivers must also consider their positioning before the fast and technically demanding sequence of corners that follows.

Onboard comparison reveals the intensity of the Ferrari fight

Television cameras can sometimes make two cars appear further apart than they really are. The onboard footage provides a much clearer impression of how little space existed between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton during the battle.

Small steering corrections, the movement of the rival car and the speed at which the barriers pass all underline the precision required from both drivers. Neither Ferrari driver can afford to make an abrupt movement, particularly when they are fighting a teammate and the team needs both cars to reach the finish without damage.

The video also illustrates how difficult it is to attack another Formula 1 car even when the pursuing driver reaches the side of their rival. Drawing alongside is only the first part of an overtake. The attacking driver must then secure the correct position for the braking zone, while the defending driver can still fight back by controlling the preferred line.

Why teammate battles create an additional challenge

A fight between teammates always carries an extra level of tension. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are competing for their own race result, but every move also has consequences for Ferrari’s overall points total.

That balance forces both drivers to race aggressively while leaving sufficient room. A successful defence can protect track position, while a poorly judged attempt from either side could cost the team far more than a single place.

For the Ferrari pit wall, such moments require careful management. Team orders are not always necessary, but engineers must monitor the relative pace of both cars, the drivers’ tyre condition and the risk of losing time to rivals while the teammates battle each other.

Video captures a memorable Belgian GP moment

The side-by-side onboard comparison gives Formula 1 fans a detailed look at one of the Belgian Grand Prix’s most engaging Ferrari moments. Charles Leclerc’s defensive positioning and Lewis Hamilton’s attempt to move alongside demonstrate the speed, judgement and awareness required when two cars fight for the same section of track.

Rather than viewing the action from a distant television angle, the video places the audience directly inside both Ferrari cockpits. It is a revealing perspective on how rapidly a Formula 1 battle develops and how little time the drivers have to make each decision.

Watch the onboard footage to see the confrontation between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton from both sides as the Ferrari teammates race wheel to wheel at Spa-Francorchamps.