A serious accident awaits Lewis Hamilton? “It will happen sooner or later”

Last Updated on April 3 2026, 11:04 am Ferrari’s internal battle is already on a knife-edge, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc pushing each other hard. Former F1 driver Timo Glock believes that things will boil over sooner rather than later. “The line needs to be clearly drawn as soon as the team is at a disadvantage… From my perspective, sooner or later, we’ll see those two end up in the gravel after a collision.” This warning comes despite the fact that, so far, the rivalry has been intense but clean. However, with both drivers fighting for supremacy and Ferrari still chasing Mercedes, the risk of contact grows with every race. Ferrari vs Mercedes: A growing gap After three races, the early pecking order in Formula 1 is becoming increasingly clear. Mercedes has established itself as the dominant force, with young star Kimi Antonelli and the ever-consistent George Russell delivering results at the front of the grid. Meanwhile, Scuderia Ferrari has emerged as the closest challenger, but not quite close enough. The Italian team has demonstrated impressive speed, yet Hamilton and Leclerc have been more preoccupied with competing against each other than with securing victories. This has created a high-pressure scenario. Without a clear hierarchy, both drivers are racing flat out, knowing that every point matters in closing the gap to Mercedes. Hamilton vs Leclerc: Competitive tension is rising Their on-track battles have already provided some of the most thrilling moments of the season, particularly in China and Japan. Wheel-to-wheel racing, aggressive positioning and tactical energy deployment have characterised their encounters. However, according to Glock, this is precisely where the danger lies. Ferrari’s drivers are not just rivals on the track, they are also teammates, sharing the same resources, strategies and limitations. If they compromise each other, the consequences extend beyond personal results to impact the entire team’s championship hopes. Glock pointed to the fine margins involved, especially with modern hybrid systems. Losing energy through prolonged battles or compromising race pace can quickly turn a strong weekend into a missed opportunity. Further, he believes that the situation is already approaching a critical point. “A duel is acceptable, but contact is not…” Glock’s warning centres on a fundamental principle within Formula 1 teams: drivers are allowed to race, but only up to a point. “The rule is simple,” he explained. “A duel is acceptable, but contact is absolutely not.” So far, Hamilton’s resurgence has added another dimension to the competition. After a mixed start to his Ferrari career, the seven-time world champion is rediscovering his rhythm and confidence. While he may not have matched his performance in China in Japan, it is clear that he is back at a competitive level. Meanwhile, Leclerc continues to deliver his trademark consistency and raw speed. The Monegasque driver has often had the edge, but not by enough to comfortably control the intra-team battle. This balance of two drivers operating at near-equal performance levels is precisely what makes the situation so volatile. Ferrari management are walking a tightrope From the pit wall, the situation looks very different. Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur has already admitted that the team can feel the tension during these on-track duels. After the Chinese Grand Prix, Leclerc openly admitted that he had enjoyed the battle. “I loved it. I’m sure Fred didn’t, and that the other team members were probably stressed during the race.” Vasseur’s response was more cautious. While he trusts both drivers’ professionalism, he acknowledged the inherent risk. Ferrari faces a difficult dilemma: impose team orders too early and risk damaging driver morale, or allow them to race freely and risk the kind of collision Glock is predicting. An accident feels inevitable For now, the Hamilton-Leclerc rivalry remains just on the right side of control. But as the season progresses and the stakes rise, that balance may not be maintained. History has shown that intra-team battles can escalate quickly, especially when both drivers believe they have what it takes to lead the team. Glock’s prediction may sound dramatic, but it reflects a familiar pattern in Formula 1. Two elite, evenly matched drivers fighting for position in a car that isn’t quite dominant is a recipe that has led to flashpoints many times before. As Glock bluntly put it, sooner or later, something has to give. A Brazilian motorsport writer with a background in sports journalism and broadcast reporting, Treze brings cultural insight and on-the-ground knowledge of South American racing. With credentials in communications and journalism, Treze connects today’s Formula 1 with the enduring legacy of Ayrton Senna.