Ralf Schumacher suggests Lewis Hamilton has contract clause blocking Ferrari from using team orders

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Lewis Hamilton’s battles with Charles Leclerc in 2026 have led to calls for intervention from Ferrari, but Ralf Schumacher suspects that may not be possible.

The seven-time champion is reinvigorated under the new regulations as the SF-26 is much more suited to his driving style. Hamilton has closed the gap to Leclerc, ending his Ferrari podium drought in China.

In the opening three races, the Brit has enjoyed strong battles with his teammate. In some instances, like the Japanese Grand Prix, these fights can be detrimental to the team, but Hamilton’s contract may prevent any team orders from being implemented.

Hamilton was frustrated with Leclerc at Suzuka as he could not understand the power advantage the Monegasque driver had, notably down the straights. Leclerc would go on to finish third with Hamilton in P6, but he too was agitated by the battle.

The 28-year-old complained about losing time to the frontrunners in the fight, with Timo Glock calling for Ferrari to ‘intervene’ with team orders. However, Schumacher suggests that Hamilton will block such an action.

Ralf Schumacher suspects Lewis Hamilton’s contract will block Ferrari team orders

Speaking on Backstage Boxengasse, the former F1 driver believes that Hamilton will block any intervention from Ferrari in his battles with Leclerc. He thinks his contract will give him the authority over team boss Fred Vasseur.

“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,” said Schumacher.

“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.

“So yes, it happened once or twice, but that’s just how it is, I mean, I’m saying now that, relatively speaking, you should handle it a bit differently. I think it’s down to the contract situation, and I also think – and this is actually the main problem – you mustn’t underestimate that sort of thing.”

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Fred Vasseur is fine with letting Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc fight on track

In Australia, Leclerc admitted on his radio that he enjoyed fighting with Hamilton during the race. Two races later and the pair seem to have changed their tone.

They expressed frustration at Suzuka over the battle, particularly Leclerc, who was losing time by exchanging positions with Hamilton.

Despite this, team principal Vasseur sees no issue with Hamilton and Leclerc fighting and is happy with them racing for position. The important thing for Ferrari is to ensure that the two do not come to blows and damage any relationships.