Ex-F1 Driver Advises Ferrari to Prioritize Hamilton Over Leclerc for Title Push
Riccardo Patrese has advised Ferrari to fully back Lewis Hamilton in the championship race, even if it means sidelining Charles Leclerc. After 12 races, Hamilton holds the better position among the two Ferrari drivers in the standings. Patrese's comments suggest a clear hierarchy is needed for the team's title ambitions.
Riccardo Patrese, a former Formula 1 driver, has publicly urged Ferrari to concentrate its championship efforts on Lewis Hamilton rather than Charles Leclerc. His reasoning stems from the current standings after 12 races, where Hamilton holds the stronger position of the two Ferrari teammates. Patrese believes a clear internal hierarchy would sharpen the team’s title push.
The suggestion implies that Ferrari’s dual-driver approach may be diluting its chances. By prioritizing one driver, the team could allocate strategy, resources, and race support more effectively. Patrese’s comments highlight a common tension in F1 teams when two competitive drivers share a garage, especially when one has a clear points advantage.
This advice could influence Ferrari’s internal decision-making and fan expectations, as team orders often spark debate. If Ferrari follows Patrese’s line, Leclerc’s supporters may feel sidelined, while Hamilton’s backers see a pragmatic path to a title. The broader impact may shape how teams balance fairness against championship efficiency, potentially affecting driver morale and public perception of the sport’s competitiveness.