Ferrari left dealing with a ‘not so normal’ issue that Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton can do nothing about

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Ferrari are currently battling to reduce the sudden deficit which has appeared between themselves and McLaren during the 2025 Formula 1 season.

But with the 2026 F1 regulations around the corner, it’s a tough balancing act between hedging their bets on the future and maximising the present.

Currently sitting second in the constructors’ championship, the year hasn’t been disastrous so far, but Ferrari are yet to win after 11 rounds.

Lewis Hamilton hasn’t picked up his first podium in red, and Charles Leclerc has been quietly consistent in the other car.

For a team that had such big expectations coming into the year, it’s all a bit strange. Ferrari are planning one ‘final breakthrough’ in 2025, in the hope it will lead them to victory before Abu Dhabi.

On a positive note, Hamilton’s body language suggests a Ferrari breakthrough with a floor upgrade at the last race in Austria, which widened their setup window.

READ MORE: Ferrari have now addressed one major issue Lewis Hamilton has been ‘suffering’ with for months

Ferrari face a ‘not so normal’ lift and coast issue Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton can’t avoid

Ferrari have identified Hamilton’s biggest problem, but it may end up being difficult to solve because he wants a fundamentally different car from his teammate.

Their different driving styles mean that making a car that can be fast for both of them is going to be a real challenge both now and in the future.

Damon Hill has one problem with Leclerc and thinks that he is too comfortable in his current position, however, the last race in Spielberg seemed anything but the case for him.

According to Gianluca D’Alessandro, both Ferrari drivers were forced to lift and coast throughout the Austrian Grand Prix, which is ‘not so normal’.

“What is not so normal in itself is the fact of having to do it [lift and coast] from the first lap in such a prolonged and fairly constant manner that is a bit what stopped Ferrari,” he said.

“It should be underlined that in the first stint, Ferrari actually did a lot of lift and coast, especially with Leclerc, but that’s a different story, because in reality, both drivers [were] asked for it. They also asked Hamilton.”

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton told he was ‘absolutely right’ to disagree with Ferrari over key Austrian Grand Prix decision

Charles Leclerc thinks it’s ‘very possible’ he could do what Michael Schumacher did at Ferrari

At the age of 27, Leclerc is entering the prime of his career. He has been in the sport for seven years and knows just about everything there is to know about Formula 1.

His experience will come in handy if he ever does get the opportunity to fight for a championship, but for now, he will have to remain patient.

No one knows how fast each team will be in 2026, but as is the case in Italy, Ferrari will be expected to be fast.

Leclerc could do what Michael Schumacher did at Ferrari and retire with them, which would be an incredibly special and loyal feat to achieve.