Günther Steiner: Why Charles Leclerc Will Outperform Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari in 2026

The upcoming Ferrari duel between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in the 2026 Formula 1 season is already a hot topic. Former Haas team principal Günther Steiner takes a clear stance: he sees Leclerc as having the upper hand. For him, age, hunger for the title, and the ability to extract the last few percent in crucial stints are the decisive factors.

On 'The Red Flags' podcast, Steiner expressed his conviction that Leclerc will beat his new teammate. "I think what Charles has on his side is his age," Steiner said. "It's going to be very close, but in the end, I believe Charles will beat Lewis. That's my opinion."

Steiner justifies this by looking at the different career stages of the two drivers. "The most important thing for me is age. If Lewis were ten years younger, it might be different." For Steiner, it's not just about physical fitness or reaction time at the apex. It's about the entire package of resilience, risk-taking, and detailed work with the engineers.

Hunger Beats Experience?

The South Tyrolean also pointed to their championship records. "It's not just the physical aspect, but also what you've achieved. Lewis is a seven-time world champion. Charles? Zero. So he's hungrier, he has more appetite." In tight championship phases, these last few percent can be decisive, for example, in strategy or qualifying trim.

Currently, the two Ferrari drivers are almost neck and neck on track. After the Chinese Grand Prix, the second race of the 2026 season, Charles Leclerc is third in the drivers' standings with 34 points, followed by Lewis Hamilton in fourth with 33 points. Hamilton secured his first Ferrari podium in Shanghai, while Leclerc scored points more consistently.

Hamilton's transformation after his challenging debut year at Ferrari in 2025 is remarkable. Rumors of a possible retirement gave way to a commitment to a complete personal reset. He sounds more direct on the radio, more focused in debriefs, and more aggressive on track.

Hamilton Not Tired, But Highly Motivated

Even after winter testing, Hamilton showed resolve. "That's it for testing. It's inspiring to see a team give everything to build a car," he wrote. He is fascinated by the development process, from the first concept to the chassis and the final aero map on track. This is where he wants to significantly advance Ferrari.

"Everything is built from scratch, designed, and redesigned over and over again," Hamilton continued. "And then there are only a few of us who get to test this machine. That feeling never gets old." He explicitly thanked the Maranello crew building the 2026 package. His words highlight how much he sees himself as an integral part of the project.

At the same time, Lewis Hamilton emphasized his unbroken motivation. "I love this job so much, and I love it, working with my team and driving for the fans. I am incredibly happy to be able to do this, and I look forward to the season." On track, he's once again harder on the brakes, especially in slow corners and during low-fuel runs.

A Message to Critics

Hamilton firmly dismissed retirement rumors. "I'm reset and fresh. I'm not going anywhere, so stick with me," he wrote. "For a moment, I forgot who I was, but thanks to you and your support, that mindset will no longer exist." This is a direct message to critics and the entire paddock.

Hamilton spoke of a season into which he had "invested everything." "I know what needs to be done. This is going to be a damn strong season. I've given everything to be here today. Let's go, Team." With this, he clearly looks ahead – to Leclerc, to Red Bull, Mercedes, and the new engine regulations for 2026.

This constellation particularly excites Günther Steiner. A seven-time world champion seeking to prove himself anew meets a driver who has been considered a future champion for years. Leclerc knows Ferrari better, and his qualifying pace is brutal. Now he must deliver consistency in race trim to win the internal battle.