James Hinchcliffe sees ‘big indicator’ that Charles Leclerc views Lewis Hamilton as Ferrari’s leader

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Many are starting to believe that Lewis Hamilton has surpassed Charles Leclerc as Ferrari’s team leader, and the Monegasque driver may even believe that himself.

Leclerc has failed to beat Hamilton for the past five races. The latter has four podiums to his name in 2026, which includes his first win for Ferrari in Barcelona, while the former has been off the podium since Suzuka and is 46 points behind his teammate.

At the Austrian Grand Prix, Ferrari were off the pace despite their upgrades, but the Monaco native was noticeably struggling. Hamilton overtook Leclerc three times during the race, leaving his engineers confused by his lack of consistency.

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Charles Leclerc copying Lewis Hamilton’s brakes and setup is ‘bigger indicator’ that he’s no longer Ferrari’s leader

It is clear that the 28-year-old is having trouble adapting to the 2026 regulations, while his teammate is relishing them. Martin Brundle says Hamilton is the ‘clear team leader’ now as he challenges the Mercedes in the SF-26.

While Leclerc denies that the car is more suited to Hamilton, Ferrari have clearly paid more attention to his feedback. The seven-time champion has begun adopting his own approach in 2026, and it is paying off handsomely.

So much so that his teammate is starting to follow his footsteps. Leclerc used Hamilton’s Carbon Industrie brakes after he crashed out in Monaco and publicly slammed Brembo, Ferrari’s brakes supplier, for the incident.

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For James Hinchcliffe, this is a big indication that Leclerc now sees Hamilton as the team leader. Of course, Ferrari will want to give their drivers equal treatment, but the former may have already conceded he is now playing second fiddle.

Hinchcliffe said via F1 Nation: “I mean, I think it’s certainly swinging more towards Lewis. I don’t know if it’s gone past the centre point now and is fully on his side.

“Last year it was very clear Lewis was far behind. Charles was the incumbent. He was outperforming him Saturdays, Sundays, whatever. Now, I just think they’re in a very fortunate position of having two incredibly quick drivers, two very capable drivers.

Lewis Hamilton is now only missing a Grand Prix pole position for Ferrari 🏆 Predict when it will come?

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“You said it, they’re 4-4 in qualifying, and that’s against Leclerc, who’s always kind of been considered, his expertise was Saturdays.

“So I think it shows how much of a jump that Hamilton’s made. He’s done a great job gelling with the team. It’s just now they can have the conversation both ways rather than just one.

“I think it’s the fact that Charles is now taking setup suggestions and brake configurations from the other side of the garage. That’s almost a bigger indicator that it’s Charles that’s looking at him almost as the leader rather than the team even doing it.”