Apr.8 (GMM) Ralf Schumacher believes Lewis Hamilton’s contract could be limiting Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur’s ability to control the increasingly fierce on-track battles with Charles Leclerc.
The Ferrari pair have raced wheel-to-wheel aggressively in the opening rounds of 2026, including a particularly close duel in Suzuka where Leclerc overtook Hamilton around the outside of Turn 1.
“Our cars touched in the chicane – I was even afraid I’d gotten a puncture,” Leclerc admitted afterwards.
Former driver Timo Glock warned the situation could spiral if left unchecked.
“The line must be drawn very clearly when the team is at a disadvantage,” he told Sky Deutschland.
“If the two cars are getting in each other’s way and losing battery power, if ultimately the team loses positions as a result, then the team management must intervene.
“Ferrari needs to take a firm stance here, because that was really pushing the limits. The rule of thumb among the racing teams is – a duel is okay, but contact is unacceptable.”
He added a stark prediction: “My gut feeling is that we’ll see them both in the gravel trap after a collision at some point.”
Glock also noted Hamilton’s resurgence in 2026.
“Charles Leclerc is still a bit more consistently fast, but Lewis Hamilton is definitely back where we all want to see him – confident and enjoying racing.”
However, Schumacher thinks the situation may be more complicated behind the scenes.
“I believe, even though I will probably get some criticism for this, that while Lewis will clearly be competing at the front again this year, he also has a contract that allows him to do exactly that,” he said.
“I think even if Fred Vasseur wanted to say something, he couldn’t. That’s why Ferrari has no chance. Hamilton will decide for himself.
“Of course, that has an effect on the team – the mechanic, who gives his all from morning till night, and then he sees these two battling drivers losing seconds, possibly even parts, because they’re crashing into each other. That creates unrest.”
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES