Get all your news in one place.

100's of premium titles.
One app.

Get all your news in one place.

100's of premium titles. One news app.

Motorsport

Lydia Mee

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari win sparks Charles Leclerc warning from Jacques Villeneuve

Lewis Hamilton Charles Leclerc Jacques Villeneuve Ferrari George Russell Barcelona

1997 Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has argued that Lewis Hamilton's first win with Ferrari at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix has not only firmly put the seven-time champion into the title picture, but could also lead to internal tension with his team-mate Charles Leclerc.

After starting the race in Barcelona from second on the grid, Hamilton and Ferrari pulled off a three-stop strategy to take the win. Pole-sitter George Russell finished second and McLaren's Lando Norris completed the all-British podium in third.

"Well, he is because we can see that things can go wrong, the pace is there, so it doesn't take much," Villeneuve told Sky Sports F1 when asked if Hamilton is well and truly in the 2026 title fight. "And we don't know how the other two drivers would be under pressure from a Lewis Hamilton. How will they react?"

In addition to Hamilton's threat to the rest of the grid, the Canadian argued that his recent form could cause internal issues at the Maranello outfit, especially given the contract extension signed by his team-mate Charles Leclerc.

Jacques Villeneuve, former racing driver, walks in the paddock. (Photo by: Kym Illman / Getty Images)

"Internally at Ferrari, they just re-signed Leclerc two races ago for what, the best contract ever? Lifetime contract," Villeneuve continued. "But who's actually getting the points? Who's going to the front? Lewis. So that will create a little bit of issues internally as well."

Leclerc was forced to retire from the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on lap 64 with power steering issues.

Hamilton currently sits second in the drivers' championship, 41 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli and nine points ahead of George Russell in third. Leclerc, who crashed out of his home race in Monaco and in qualifying for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, sits fourth in the championship.

The F1 paddock now heads to Spielberg for the Austrian Grand Prix from 26-28 June.

Photos from Barcelona-Catalunya GP - Sunday

67 Formula 1

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes, Lando Norris, McLaren

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes, Lando Norris, McLaren

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

The Ferrari team gathered at the podium ceremony

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Fans

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lando Norris, McLaren

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team, Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Nico Hulkenberg, Audi F1 Team, Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team, Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

George Russell, Mercedes

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

George Russell, Mercedes

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, George Russell, Mercedes, Lando Norris, McLaren

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

George Russell, Mercedes

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

George Russell, Mercedes

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Nico Hülkenberg, Audi F1 Team

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Ayao Komatsu, Haas F1 Team

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Ayao Komatsu, Haas F1 Team

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Flavio Briatore, Alpine

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Flavio Briatore, Alpine

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Franco Colapinto, Alpine

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Drivers' parade

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Franco Colapinto, Alpine

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team, Nico Hulkenberg, Audi F1 Team with Novak Djokovic

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team, Nico Hulkenberg, Audi F1 Team with Novak Djokovic

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Franco Colapinto, Alpine

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Novak Djokovic arrives in the paddock.

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Carlos Sainz, Williams

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix - Sunday

Sign up to read this article

Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here

Top stories on inkl right now

Sri Lanka sees ‘alarming’ rise in cybercrime as scam networks relocate from south-east Asia

Sri Lanka sees ‘alarming’ rise in cybercrime as scam networks relocate from south-east Asia

Experts say criminal networks favour Sri Lanka due to ease of getting tourist visas and limited regulation on sim cards and internet connections

The Guardian - UK

Eight dead after US B-52 bomber crashes at California air force base

Eight dead after US B-52 bomber crashes at California air force base

Eight people were killed after a US B-52 bomber crashed and burst into flames shortly after take-off from Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday. The aircraft was carrying a mix of military personnel, government employees and civilian contractors on a routine test mission when it went down, prompting…

‘Let’s Relax’—USMNT Star Provides Update on Christian Pulisic Absence, Injury

‘Let’s Relax’—USMNT Star Provides Update on Christian Pulisic Absence, Injury

U.S. superstar Christian Pulisic sustained a knock in Friday’s match.

Sports Illustrated

B52 Bomber Crash at Edwards Air Force: All crew members dead after Boeing Stratofortress crashed following take-off in California, all about supersonic aircraft capable of carrying nuclear warheads

B52 Bomber Crash at Edwards Air Force: All crew members dead after Boeing Stratofortress crashed following take-off in California, all about supersonic aircraft capable of carrying nuclear warheads

B52 Bomber Stratofortress crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday. The Stratofortress, designed and built by Boeing, is a long-range, subsonic aircraft that has long served as the backbone ⁠of the United States' crewed strategic bomber force, according to the U.S. military.

The Economic Times

One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites

Already a member? Sign in here

How the USMNT Can Win World Cup Group D Before Playing All Three Matches

How the USMNT Can Win World Cup Group D Before Playing All Three Matches

The USMNT has big hopes of securing the top spot in Group D.

Sports Illustrated

Former Louisville police officer charged with manslaughter in fatal shooting of naked man

Former Louisville police officer charged with manslaughter in fatal shooting of naked man

A former Louisville police officer has been charged with manslaughter for fatally shooting a naked man

The Independent UK

Related Stories

Top stories on inkl right now

Sri Lanka sees ‘alarming’ rise in cybercrime as scam networks relocate from south-east Asia

Sri Lanka sees ‘alarming’ rise in cybercrime as scam networks relocate from south-east Asia

Experts say criminal networks favour Sri Lanka due to ease of getting tourist visas and limited regulation on sim cards and internet connections

The Guardian - UK

Eight dead after US B-52 bomber crashes at California air force base

Eight dead after US B-52 bomber crashes at California air force base

Eight people were killed after a US B-52 bomber crashed and burst into flames shortly after take-off from Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday. The aircraft was carrying a mix of military personnel, government employees and civilian contractors on a routine test mission when it went down, prompting…

‘Let’s Relax’—USMNT Star Provides Update on Christian Pulisic Absence, Injury

‘Let’s Relax’—USMNT Star Provides Update on Christian Pulisic Absence, Injury

U.S. superstar Christian Pulisic sustained a knock in Friday’s match.

Sports Illustrated

B52 Bomber Crash at Edwards Air Force: All crew members dead after Boeing Stratofortress crashed following take-off in California, all about supersonic aircraft capable of carrying nuclear warheads

B52 Bomber Crash at Edwards Air Force: All crew members dead after Boeing Stratofortress crashed following take-off in California, all about supersonic aircraft capable of carrying nuclear warheads

B52 Bomber Stratofortress crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday. The Stratofortress, designed and built by Boeing, is a long-range, subsonic aircraft that has long served as the backbone ⁠of the United States' crewed strategic bomber force, according to the U.S. military.

The Economic Times

One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites

Already a member? Sign in here

How the USMNT Can Win World Cup Group D Before Playing All Three Matches

How the USMNT Can Win World Cup Group D Before Playing All Three Matches

The USMNT has big hopes of securing the top spot in Group D.

Sports Illustrated

Former Louisville police officer charged with manslaughter in fatal shooting of naked man

Former Louisville police officer charged with manslaughter in fatal shooting of naked man

A former Louisville police officer has been charged with manslaughter for fatally shooting a naked man

The Independent UK

Our Picks

I spotted fuzzy white mold on my houseplant soil— here's how I fixed it with a cupboard staple

Stop white mold on houseplants with this simple kitchen spice trick,

Do you talk in your sleep? What somniloquy reveals about your brain, sleep stages, dreams and when it may signal a serious sleep disorder

Sleep talking somniloquy explained: Ever spoken in your sleep? It's common, affecting many adults and children, and can happen during different sleep stages. Research reveals sleep talk often involves negative words and questions, suggesting brain activity related to memory and emotions.

The Economic Times

Zendaya And Tom Holland Are Couple's Goals On Spider-Man: Brand New Day Carpet (And Yes She's Still Sporting That Ring)

I want them to be together forever.

Psychology says people who prefer dining alone aren't rude: They may simply be protecting their peace, independence and relationship with themselves

Psychology suggests that everyday habits often reflect deeper emotional needs. Choosing to eat alone is rarely an act of social rejection; more often, it is a way of reconnecting with oneself. For many people, those few uninterrupted minutes become one of the calmest and most peaceful moments of their day.

The Economic Times

Don Cheadle Reveals Grim Idea He “Stole” From George Clooney: “It Happens To Everybody”

“He is so cool,” a netizen said about Don Cheadle.

Maryland woman grabs Jersey Mikes sub, one distracted bite later, she was getting a CT scan for an alleged foreign object stuck in her throat

“Be careful where you eat.”

We Got This Covered

Fourteen days free

Download the app

One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.

Download on the AppStore

Get it on Google Play