Guenther Steiner has backed Charles Leclerc to beat Lewis Hamilton within the 2026 Components 1 season.
Whereas the seven-time champion entered the 2026 season rejuvenated after a private ‘reset’ and claimed his first Ferrari podium on the Chinese language Grand Prix, the previous Haas crew principal believes that Leclerc can be hungrier for the championship.
Throughout an episode of The Purple Flags Podcast, Steiner was requested if Hamilton would beat Leclerc this season.
“I believe what Charles has bought on his aspect is his age,” he mentioned. “It’s totally shut, however ultimately, I believe Charles will beat Lewis. That is my opinion.
“And I believe the largest factor for me is the age. If Lewis have been 10 years youthful, perhaps there could be one thing totally different.
“And it is not solely the age that you just’re not nearly as good bodily, but in addition what you are doing. It is also… Lewis is a seven-time world champion. Charles, what number of? Zero. So he is extra hungry, he has extra urge for food.”
After the second spherical of the 2026 season in China, Hamilton sits only one level behind his team-mate Leclerc within the drivers’ standings. Leclerc is presently third with 34 factors, and Hamilton is fourth with 33.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Picture by: James Sutton / Components 1 / Components Motorsport Ltd through Getty Pictures
Hamilton has been on the centre of retirement rumours after a troublesome first yr with Ferrari in 2025. Nonetheless, the Briton has been sturdy in his messaging.
“That’s a wrap on testing. It’s inspiring to observe a crew pull out all of the stops to construct a automobile. It’s essentially the most fascinating a part of this job for me,” the Ferrari driver posted after pre-season testing.
“Every part is constructed from scratch and designed and redesigned again and again. After which there are just a few of us who get to place that machine to the check. That feeling by no means will get previous. I need to say an enormous thanks to everybody within the crew again on the manufacturing unit for the onerous work to get so far!! I’m actually grateful.
“I like this job a lot and I like working with my crew and driving for the followers. I’m extremely fortunate to have the ability to do what I do, and I’m excited for the season forward.
“I’m re-set and refreshed. I’m not going anyplace, so stick to me. For a second, I forgot who I used to be, however because of you and your assist you’re not going to see that mindset once more. I do know what must be finished. That is going to be one hell of a season. I’ve given every thing to be right here at present. Let’s go crew!!!”
We wish your opinion!
What would you wish to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
– The Motorsport.com Workforce
