Nico Rosberg, the 2016 Formula 1 World Champion, has dismissed the idea that Ferrari should prioritize Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc in the battle for the 2026 title. Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 broadcast during the Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza, Rosberg stated that such a move is simply “not feasible” for the Scuderia.
Ferrari’s Dilemma: Two Number One Drivers
The discussion followed a chaotic Dutch Grand Prix where Ferrari appeared reluctant to enforce team orders to let Hamilton pass Leclerc, despite the Monegasque driver being on a different strategy. Addressing suggestions that the team should back the seven-time world champion for a future title push, Rosberg was unequivocal.
“They can’t do that,” Rosberg, who was partnered with Hamilton at Mercedes from 2013 to 2016, said during the Sky Sports F1 broadcast at Monza.
“They have two No. 1 drivers, both on a similar level. You cannot, now in the middle of the season, put everything just working towards Lewis. It’s way too early, and that doesn’t make sense.”
Rosberg elaborated that while favoring Hamilton might theoretically boost his championship chances—especially given that the Ferrari drivers have been “all over each other almost every race” in the last five rounds—doing so would undermine Leclerc and the team’s operational integrity.
“Of course, for Lewis that would enhance his chances to win the championship because in the last five races the Ferrari drivers were all over each other almost every race. Of course, it costs them performance, and Lewis championship points eventually, but the team cannot do that at this stage against Leclerc. It’s not feasible.”
Championship Standings and Monza Implications
Heading into the Italian Grand Prix, Hamilton trailed championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 59 points in the drivers’ standings, while Leclerc faced a larger 87-point deficit. Rosberg highlighted the significance of the Monza race for the title contenders.
“It is a big race for the championship today,” Rosberg added. “It’s the chance for George, Lewis, actually also Lando, to make up some big points. But Lando is kind of out of it today, he has not been fast enough this weekend.”
Regarding Hamilton’s specific prospects for the race, Rosberg noted a qualifying performance that fell slightly short of expectations but remained optimistic about his race pace.
“Lewis also, we were expecting a bit more from him in qualifying but, nevertheless, he’s still fourth, has a good race car so he can be on the podium. Not sure he can fight for the win.”
