Otmar Szfnauer believes that Ferrari should “leave Charles Leclerc alone” and not hold a meeting with the driver about the 2026 season. The former Alpine boss believes that the Monegasque is working through a complicated period alongside Lewis Hamilton.
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The Maranello team is currently second in the Constructors’ Championship, 72 points behind Mercedes. Meanwhile, in the Drivers’ Championship, the Briton is second, 31 points behind his teammate, who is in fourth.

When Jake Humphrey, host of the High Performance Racing podcast, asked if the boss should have a mid-season conversation about Charles’ performance, Otmar strongly disagreed.
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“No. Leave him alone. I wouldn’t try to have a conversation, but I would offer support,” said Szafnauer.
“At the start of the year, and I’m not speaking based on facts, just the impression I have, Lewis was a bit ahead of Leclerc than he is now. I think Charles has raised the level a bit in the last two races, getting closer to Lewis,” he added.
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