Former Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer told the High‑Performance Racing podcast that Ferrari should not arrange a formal mid‑season sit‑down with Charles Leclerc, urging management to leave the driver alone and provide support instead.
Leclerc’s Stand‑Out Struggles
Leclerc, now fourth in the drivers’ standings with 138 points, boasts a win at the British Grand Prix and three podiums but has suffered two retirements after Monaco and Spain.
Ferrari holds the second spot in the constructors’ table with 307 points, a 72‑point deficit to Mercedes, while teammate Lewis Hamilton enjoys a leading points tally of 169 after a first‑season win in Barcelona and four other podiums.
Expert Voices Behind the Advice
Szafnauer said, “Leave him alone. I would not have a conversation, but be supportive.” He added that Hamilton had the edge earlier in the season, a shift he observed as Leclerc caught up.
Rob Smedley echoed the sentiment, noting it’s the first instance in recent memory where Leclerc’s teammate had a significant upper hand, and highlighted that mechanical changes in the braking system may explain the current performance gap.
Implications for the Mid‑Season Review
With the champions’ break approaching, Ferrari’s strategy hinges on internal stability. Szafnauer’s recommendation aligns with the idea that micromanagement at this stage could hinder Leclerc’s progress during critical juncture of the 2026 championship.
"