BREAKING: Ferrari boss rejects Hamilton request as Leclerc could miss Spanish… Read more

BREAKING: Ferrari Boss Rejects Hamilton Request as Leclerc Faces Spanish GP Fitness Test

Ferrari has refused to introduce formal written “rules of engagement” between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, despite Hamilton previously calling for clearer guidelines following their dramatic clash at the Italian Grand Prix.

The decision comes as Ferrari prepares for this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, while Leclerc continues to recover from the heavy crash that ended his Monza race. The situation has created another major talking point around the Scuderia just days after its home-race disappointment. �

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Hamilton had called for Ferrari to establish clear protocols governing how its two drivers should race one another after the opening-lap incident at Monza. Hamilton was forced off the track during his battle with Leclerc, while Leclerc subsequently crashed out of the race.

The seven-time world champion felt Ferrari needed a more structured approach similar to the system he experienced during his Mercedes years. His argument was straightforward: when two teammates are fighting for important championship points, unclear expectations can potentially cost the entire team.

However, Ferrari has stopped short of introducing the formal written rules Hamilton wanted.

Team principal Fred Vasseur and Ferrari have instead opted to allow the two drivers to resolve the situation through communication and mutual understanding. Hamilton and Leclerc have since held a private conversation, with Leclerc accepting responsibility for going too far during the Monza incident. �

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That conversation appears to have eased tensions.

Hamilton has acknowledged that the relationship between the two Ferrari drivers remains positive, while Leclerc has also insisted that there is no lasting hostility between them. Both drivers understand that their rivalry is likely to continue, but they also recognise that Ferrari cannot afford another damaging internal battle.

That is particularly important because Ferrari is already chasing Mercedes in the constructors’ championship, while Hamilton’s own title hopes have suffered a significant setback.

Hamilton finished sixth at Monza after the opening-lap drama, while Leclerc retired following his crash. The result left Hamilton 76 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli with the season entering another crucial phase. �

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Leclerc’s Madrid Fitness Question

The other major concern surrounding Ferrari is Leclerc’s physical condition.

The Monegasque suffered a significant crash at Monza and subsequently reported neck discomfort. However, the latest reports indicate that he has recovered well and has been cleared to compete, meaning the current situation is more about monitoring his condition than an established withdrawal from the Spanish Grand Prix. �

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That distinction is important.

Reports suggesting that Leclerc could miss the Madrid race have generated considerable attention, but there is currently no confirmed announcement that Ferrari has withdrawn him from the event.

The 2026 Spanish Grand Prix is also a completely new challenge for the Formula 1 field. The race will take place at Madrid’s new Madring circuit, making preparation and driver adaptability particularly important. Ferrari is among the teams that has already gained some experience of the new venue through a filming-day run, potentially giving Hamilton and Leclerc useful information ahead of the weekend. �

Diario AS

For Ferrari, however, the biggest challenge may not simply be the new circuit.

It will be managing its two stars.

Hamilton arrived at Ferrari with the enormous ambition of fighting for an eighth world championship, while Leclerc remains determined to establish himself as the team’s long-term championship leader. Neither driver is naturally inclined to surrender position, particularly when victory or podium points are at stake.

The Monza incident therefore exposed a problem that could return if Ferrari does not establish a clear internal philosophy.

Hamilton wanted written rules.

Ferrari has rejected that approach.

For now, the team is relying on communication, maturity and trust between its drivers.

That strategy worked immediately after Monza, with Hamilton and Leclerc clearing the air. But the real test will come when both Ferraris are fighting for the same corner, the same podium or potentially the same victory again.

There is also a bigger championship picture.

Mercedes continues to hold the advantage in the constructors’ battle, while Antonelli has emerged as the driver Hamilton must chase. Ferrari cannot afford to throw away valuable points through internal disputes at a time when every weekend matters.

The Madrid race therefore arrives with unusually high pressure.

Hamilton needs a strong result to rebuild momentum. Leclerc needs to demonstrate that his Monza crash has not affected his confidence or physical readiness. And Ferrari needs to prove that its decision to reject formal rules of engagement will not become another weakness.

For now, the message from Maranello is clear: there will be no written rulebook between Hamilton and Leclerc.

Instead, Ferrari is trusting its two world-class drivers to race hard, communicate properly and avoid allowing their rivalry to damage the team’s championship ambitions.

The Spanish Grand Prix could reveal whether that decision was the right one.