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Lewis Hamilton

Palmer: Ferrari risks discontent by backing one driver

Archive photograph: Lewis Hamilton · 2025-06-04Archive photo · 2025-06-04 · Picture by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street · OGL 3

Ferrari’s lack of pace matters more than the question of who gets priority, according to Jolyon Palmer. The former F1 driver warns that backing Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc could damage the relationship with the other.

From the GPBeat newsroomPublished · · 1 min

On 23 September, RacingNews365 quotes Palmer from the F1 Nation podcast. According to him, the discussion about giving Hamilton full backing from Silverstone onwards arose precisely because Ferrari was not quick enough. He also qualifies the strategic criticism: in his view, the team had little opportunity to use team orders on a large scale.

According to the outlet, the issue attracted attention after the Italian Grand Prix earlier that month. Leclerc forced Hamilton wide on the opening lap. Hamilton lost places after driving through the gravel and then asked why there were no rules governing battles between team-mates.

Palmer sees drawbacks to both choices. Leclerc could become alienated from the team if he has to help Hamilton. Giving Leclerc priority, by contrast, would upset Hamilton, according to Palmer, because he considers Hamilton to have the better chance of winning the title. These are anticipated reactions, not established positions held by the drivers.

If Ferrari can genuinely compete for the championship, it must revisit the discussion about team orders, according to Palmer.

Sources 01
  1. SOURCEFerrari warned against decision that will 'alienate' driversRacingNews365 English · Source date as found: 2026-09-23T07:15:00+00:00 | RacingNews365 cites F1 Nation. The full podcast has not been listened to separately; the original episode date has not been independently established.
Source context

The sole source is RacingNews365, which cites F1 Nation. The original podcast episode has not been supplied or listened to separately; independent confirmation is lacking.