F1: Ferrari’s ‘Preferred Driver’ Out of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc Revealed Amid Rift

Italian journalist Giorgio Terruzzi revealed that Charles Leclerc is reportedly more favored and loved within Ferrari than his teammate Lewis Hamilton amid ongoing internal friction. Tensions between the two drivers escalated following an opening-lap clash at the Mexican Grand Prix, prompting discussions with team principal Frederic Vasseur ahead of the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix.

According to Terruzzi, Hamilton's attempts to exert technical influence have unsettled some within the team, whereas Leclerc remains implicitly supported. Hamilton holds a contract through 2027 with an option for 2028, but growing intra-team rivalry threatens to complicate Ferrari's prospective championship ambitions against rivals Mercedes and McLaren.