Guenther Steiner Makes Ferrari Driver Call: Why Lewis Hamilton Should B….. read more 👇 full details in the comments section
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has reignited the debate surrounding Ferrari’s approach to its two star drivers, suggesting that the Italian team should place greater faith in Lewis Hamilton if it has to choose between the seven-time world champion and Charles Leclerc. 🏁🔥
Steiner’s message was direct and has immediately raised questions about whether Ferrari should continue treating both drivers equally or begin prioritising the one with the stronger championship prospects.
“If one of the two can win, it is Lewis,” Steiner said, making it clear that he believes Hamilton currently represents Ferrari’s best opportunity to challenge for the world championship.
The argument comes at an important stage of the season. Hamilton currently trails Kimi Antonelli by 59 points, while Leclerc sits 87 points behind the championship leader. Although neither Ferrari driver has a comfortable position in the title race, Hamilton’s season has arguably been more consistent.
The British driver has managed five podium finishes, including a victory, giving Ferrari evidence that he can convert strong opportunities into major championship points. Leclerc, meanwhile, has endured a more frustrating campaign, with inconsistency and several retirements hurting his overall position.
That difference in results is one of the reasons Steiner believes Ferrari may eventually need to make a difficult decision.
Ferrari has traditionally attempted to avoid creating unnecessary tension between its drivers, particularly when both are capable of fighting for victories. The team has repeatedly maintained that Hamilton and Leclerc will receive equal treatment, at least while the championship situation does not make team orders unavoidable.
However, as the season progresses, that philosophy could become increasingly difficult to maintain.
Hamilton’s experience is another factor that cannot be ignored. The seven-time world champion has spent years competing for championships and understands how to manage pressure when the title battle becomes intense. His ability to maximise points, deal with difficult weekends and recognise when a strategic opportunity needs to be taken could prove valuable during the closing stages of the campaign.
Leclerc, on the other hand, remains one of Ferrari’s most naturally talented drivers and has established himself as a central figure within the team. Abandoning him too early could potentially backfire, especially if Ferrari finds itself in a position where Leclerc suddenly becomes the faster driver on a particular weekend.
That is what makes Ferrari’s decision so complicated.
The issue became even more heated following the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, where Hamilton expressed his frustration over the team radio. The Ferrari driver was unhappy with the way the team handled a position swap involving Leclerc and suggested that Ferrari’s delay had cost him a potential podium finish.
The radio message highlighted the delicate balance Ferrari must maintain.
Hamilton wants to maximise every opportunity available to him, particularly while he remains mathematically involved in the championship fight. Leclerc, meanwhile, understandably wants to protect his own chances and will not simply accept being treated as a supporting driver without a clear reason.
For Ferrari, the challenge is deciding when equal treatment should give way to strategic team orders.
If Hamilton continues to outperform Leclerc and closes the championship gap, Steiner’s argument will become increasingly difficult to dismiss. Ferrari could eventually reach a point where splitting resources equally makes little sense if one driver has a significantly better chance of winning the title.
But there is another side to the argument.
Ferrari must be careful not to destroy Leclerc’s confidence or create unnecessary division inside the garage. The team has invested heavily in both drivers, and openly declaring Hamilton the number one driver too early could create resentment.
There is also no guarantee that prioritising Hamilton would automatically deliver the championship. Formula 1 is unpredictable, and a single retirement, poor strategy call or technical failure can dramatically change the standings.
For now, Ferrari may therefore prefer to maintain its equal-treatment policy while monitoring the championship situation. If the points gap continues to develop in Hamilton’s favour, however, the pressure to make a decision will only increase.
Steiner’s comments have therefore opened a debate that Ferrari may not be able to avoid forever.
Hamilton brings experience, consistency and an impressive record of converting championship opportunities. Leclerc brings youth, speed, familiarity with Ferrari and the potential to produce exceptional performances when everything comes together.
So, should Ferrari finally throw its full support behind Hamilton?
There is certainly a strong argument for doing so if the British driver becomes Ferrari’s clearest championship contender. But until the gap becomes decisive, continuing to give both drivers a genuine opportunity may still be the safest strategy.
What do you think Ferrari should do? Should the team start favouring Hamilton in the championship fight, or should Ferrari continue treating Hamilton and Leclerc equally until the title picture becomes clearer? 🏁🔥
Drop your opinion below and tell us: if Ferrari had to choose one driver to back for the championship, would you pick Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc?
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