Lewis Hamilton factor is breaking Leclerc as insider blames 'psychological pressure'

In the 2026 Formula 1 season, Charles Leclerc has faced significant challenges, particularly in comparison to his teammate Lewis Hamilton. After signing a new multi-year deal with Ferrari, Leclerc has not met expectations and currently sits fifth in the Driver's standings, trailing Hamilton by 36 points. His performance has been marred by several crashes, including a heavy incident at Monza, which has raised concerns about his mental state and ability to cope with the pressure of competing alongside a seasoned driver like Hamilton.

Former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley has pointed out that Leclerc's inconsistency and errors this season may be attributed to the psychological pressure of having Hamilton as a teammate. Smedley emphasized that while Hamilton has consistently delivered strong performances, Leclerc's struggles are surprising for a driver with nearly a decade of experience in F1. As Leclerc prepares for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, he will be monitored for any lingering effects from his recent crash.