Tensions around Ferrari flared after the Japanese Grand Prix as several wheel-to-wheel battles between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton shaped the race. Leclerc finished third and Hamilton sixth, while Oscar Piastri showed strong pace in clean air and pulled away in the opening stints. A Safety Car and tactical pit-stop timing — including Hamilton’s extended first-stint gamble that was aided by the Safety Car — reshaped the final order.

Both drivers voiced frustration after the race. Leclerc accused Mercedes of playing “cheeky” mind games after radio messages from George Russell’s engineer complicated his defence; he also criticized his SF-26 and called for substantial technical changes during the forthcoming break. Hamilton demanded an explanation from Ferrari over power issues he experienced, suggested Leclerc had a power advantage, and said Ferrari had not prioritized his power concerns; Leclerc did not report Hamilton’s problems during the race. Ferrari made no public reprimand after the event.

Former driver Timo Glock publicly urged Ferrari to set clear limits and step in before rivalries escalate into damaging friction, warning that a hands-off approach could allow tensions to become combustible. Team principal Fred Vasseur downplayed the level of frustration, saying he supported hard wheel-to-wheel racing and did not share the drivers’ complaints, framing the exchange as part of normal competitive dynamics. Reports also suggested a possible change of race engineer for Hamilton ahead of the Miami GP, and Ferrari said it will use the forthcoming break to regroup and focus on converting consistent podiums into victories when the season resumes in Miami.

Sources