Why Leclerc must act now to avoid becoming Ferrari’s number two

Ferrari faces a critical strategic decision regarding Charles Leclerc's status within the team following Lewis Hamilton's strong recent performances, which have reignited the championship battle. The analysis, published on June 18, 2026 by Stuart Codling following the Barcelona-Catalunya GP, argues that Leclerc must assert himself now or risk being demoted to a supporting role behind Hamilton. Ferrari's ambition to win both the drivers' and constructors' championships against Mercedes hangs in the balance as the competitive picture shifts.