Tensions between Ferrari teammates Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc boiled over following an opening-lap clash at the Mexican Grand Prix, with friction threatening to resurface during the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix weekend at Interlagos.

Hamilton publicly criticised Leclerc’s aggressive, “do-or-die” approach to racing, contrasting it with how the Monegasque competed against other rivals. The seven-time world champion also called for clearer internal “rules of engagement” following their collision in Mexico City.

Although the pair held clear-the-air talks on Thursday night, alongside team principal Frederic Vasseur, in an attempt to put the tension behind them, Ferrari's difficult weekend only added to the pressure, with the Scuderia ultimately settling for eighth and ninth.

Now, however, the team's supposed 'preferred driver' has been revealed, potentially reopening old wounds and adding another layer of intrigue to an already strained relationship in F1.

Ferrari’s 'Preferred Driver' Has Emerged Amid Growing Rift

Hamilton joined the team as a seven-time world champion, signing a lucrative contract and becoming a marquee arrival in 2025. But while he was expected to take the lead at Ferrari as Leclerc was seen as more of a long-term project, it would appear the team's reluctance to name one ahead of the other has caused them some difficulty over this season.

Now, Ferrari seems to have finally made a decision on who should be the primary driver in their team. Speaking on Terruzzi Racconta, Italian journalist Giorgio Terruzzi revealed that, while both enjoy playing political games away from the racetrack, it is Leclerc who is more loved.

He revealed: “The moment Hamilton makes the statements he makes, dragging them out, getting to Brazil and harping on about it. He’s playing politics. Just like Leclerc is implicitly playing politics by staying silent.

Hamilton's multi-year deal with Ferrari runs through the 2027 season (which will mark his third year with the team), and he holds a unilateral option for the 2028 season. But if his position in the team deteriorates, it remains to be seen how long he can continue, having previously joked he could still be racing until he's 50.

The Hamilton-Leclerc Rift Could Continue to Grow

With the pair having been at loggerheads at Monza earlier in the season, too, tensions could be set to rise even higher in 2027, which puts Ferrari in an awkward situation.

Next year, Ferrari are hoping to take a step forward to become championship challengers. Should they reach their full potential to go tooth and nail with Mercedes and McLaren, then Leclerc's dreams of winning in red after staying loyal for so long will be pitted against his British teammate's desire to win a record-breaking eighth championship.

A conflict of interests during the current struggles is one thing, but could turn into a completely different obstacle next seson if tangible success is added into the mix.