Palmer warns Ferrari: “Hamilton-Leclerc duel for the title? Vasseur couldn’t handle it”

Between developments, ADUO and derby During the first four GPs of this 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton often found themselves battling each other on the track, providing entertainment and even some thrills to the Ferrari public. In the absence of a real chance to beat Mercedes – at least for the moment – the red fans were satisfied with the direct challenge between their idols. But what would happen if, as some speculate, thanks to the ADUO and the developments during the season, Ferrari actually found itself involved in the fight for the Drivers’ title? The premise is that all Cavallino fans would sign with their eyes closed for this possibility considering the almost two decades of abstinence from titles that Maranello is facing. Inevitably, however, the problem would arise of how to manage the confrontation between Leclerc and Hamilton, avoiding their mutual taking away of points from each other from ending up damaging the team. Former British driver Jolyon Palmer discussed this possibility in the latest episode of the F1 Nation podcast with host Tom Clarkson. The opinion of both is that team principal Fred Vasseur – who so far has almost never imposed team orders on the two drivers – would not be able to ‘contain’ their confrontation. Vasseur’s role “I think the one between Leclerc and Hamilton could become [una rivalità] turned on – observed Clarkson – I believe that Lewis has a ferocious competitiveness that leaves nothing to chance. I’m not saying it’s incorrect in any way, but simply that that level of ferocious competitiveness would end up leading to problems.” An analysis that Palmer shared, in particular if the two standard bearers of the red team find themselves, over the course of the year, at the wheel of the best car on the grid. “There’s also the question of ego: the ego is inherent in all drivers – underlined Palmer – you don’t have to accept second place, you have to think: ‘I’m the best, this is my title’. We have Hamilton and Leclerc: one has won seven titles, the other is a generational talent who hasn’t won one yet. I don’t think there’s one way Fred [Vasseur] could manage the situation if they had the same pace and the better car.” However, the red fans hope sooner or later to be able to deal with these problems…

Automobile Magazine – F1 English News , 2026-05-14 19:00:00