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 will likely 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 acquired on his aspect is his age,” he mentioned. “It’s totally shut, however in the long run, I believe Charles will beat Lewis. That is my opinion.
“And I believe the most important factor for me is the age. If Lewis have been 10 years youthful, possibly there could be one thing completely different.
“And it is not solely the age that you simply’re not pretty much 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 at the moment third with 34 factors, and Hamilton is fourth with 33.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Photograph by: James Sutton / Components 1 / Components Motorsport Ltd by way of Getty Pictures
Hamilton has been on the centre of retirement rumours after a tough 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 automotive. It’s probably the most fascinating a part of this job for me,” the Ferrari driver posted after pre-season testing.
“All the pieces is constructed from scratch and designed and redesigned time and again. After which there are only some of us who get to place that machine to the check. That feeling by no means will get outdated. I need to say an enormous thanks to everybody within the crew again on the manufacturing unit for the laborious work to get up to now!! 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 the moment. Let’s go crew!!!”
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