The internal dispute at Ferrari has gained new comments in the Formula 1 paddock. The former driver of the category, who currently races in the Brazilian Stock Car, Nelson Piquet Jr, stated that Charles Leclerc is clearly the main driver of the Italian team, while Lewis Hamilton currently occupies the role of second name within the Maranello team.
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This analysis arises amid the difficulties faced by Hamilton since his arrival at Ferrari last year. Hired as the big bet to put the team back in the fight for world titles after almost two decades, the seven-time champion has yet to meet the expectations created around the partnership.
According to Nelsinho Piquet, Leclerc’s performance increasingly reinforces the Monegasque’s status as Ferrari’s technical reference. The Brazilian highlighted that, instead of overshadowing his teammate, Hamilton ended up further highlighting Leclerc’s talent, recognized since the driver’s early years in Formula 1.
Last season, the Briton experienced a complicated championship in his debut for the Italian team. Without winning races, podiums, or pole positions, Hamilton faced a year marked by Ferrari’s lack of competitiveness and also by unfavorable circumstances throughout the championship.
Meanwhile, Leclerc managed to minimize the team’s problems with important results. The Monegasque scored seven podiums and also achieved a surprising pole position at the Hungarian GP, a performance that helped consolidate his leadership position within Ferrari.
In 2026, the scenario remains similar, despite the team’s progress at the start of the season. Leclerc has already secured a podium and maintained consistent performances throughout the races, reinforcing his status as Ferrari’s main name at this point in the championship.
The most recent exception happened at the Miami GP. A mistake made by Leclerc on the final lap compromised his result and allowed Hamilton to finish ahead of his teammate, even carrying damage to his SF-26 during practically the entire race.
Even so, for Nelsinho, Ferrari’s internal hierarchy seems defined. In the Brazilian’s view, Leclerc is today the natural leader of the Italian team, while Hamilton continues trying to regain prominence in his journey with Ferrari in Formula 1.
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