Ralf Schumacher thinks Hamilton has a contract clause blocking Ferrari from using team orders

Lewis Hamilton’s on-track clashes with Charles Leclerc have quickly become one of the defining storylines of Ferrari’s 2026 campaign — and they are already prompting calls for intervention.

But as Hamilton re-establishes himself at the front, the intensity of his intra-team battles with Leclerc has raised an uncomfortable question: can Ferrari actually step in if things escalate?

On-track tension between teammates

Hamilton’s bold move on Leclerc during the Shanghai Sprint left observers stunned, while Suzuka exposed deeper frustrations. The Briton could not understand the straight-line power advantage Leclerc appeared to have, a factor that proved decisive as the Monegasque secured third place while Hamilton finished sixth.

Leclerc, for his part, was equally agitated. The 28-year-old complained about losing time to the frontrunners while battling his teammate. Former F1 driver Timo Glock openly called for Ferrari to “intervene” with team orders to prevent further damage.

Schumacher: Hamilton may hold the upper hand

Ralf Schumacher, however, believes the situation may not be so straightforward.

Speaking on Backstage Boxengasse, the former F1 driver suggested that Hamilton’s contractual position could effectively prevent Ferrari from enforcing team orders.

“I’m actually of the opinion – although I’ll obviously get a storm of criticism for this again, but I don’t care – that although Lewis Hamilton is clearly back in the mix this year, which I’m very happy about, he’ll also have contracts that allow him to do exactly that,” Schumacher said.

He went further, implying that even team principal Fred Vasseur might lack the authority to rein Hamilton in.

*“And I could imagine that even if Fred wanted to, he wouldn’t be able to say anything, because I believe Lewis Hamilton can decide for himself what he needs to do. He’ll enjoy a certain number one status, I can almost imagine.

“That’s why Ferrari doesn’t stand a chance. He’ll decide that on his own. But of course that causes a stir in the team. It stirs things up a bit.”*

Schumacher believes the contractual dynamic is central to the issue and warned that such situations should not be underestimated.

Vasseur’s calm approach

Despite the mounting debate, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur appears relaxed about the rivalry.

Earlier in the season, Leclerc admitted over team radio that he enjoyed racing Hamilton. Two races later, the tone shifted, with both drivers expressing frustration at Suzuka as they traded positions and lost time.

Yet Vasseur sees no fundamental issue in allowing his drivers to fight. From Ferrari’s perspective, the priority is clear: the racing can continue — as long as it does not escalate into contact or damage internal harmony.

Whether that balance can be maintained over a full season remains uncertain. With Hamilton resurgent and Leclerc unwilling to yield, Ferrari may soon discover just how much control it truly has over its star pairing.