Ferrari Chief Elkann Issues Stark Warning to Leclerc and Hamilton After Disappointing Brazilian Grand Prix
Ferrari Chairman John Elkann delivered a scathing assessment of his Formula 1 drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, following a double-retirement at the São Paulo Grand Prix. The rebuke, delivered in a recent interview, underscores the growing pressure within the Scuderia as the season nears its conclusion.
The criticism comes despite acknowledging the strong performance of the Ferrari team as a whole. According to reports, Elkann initially praised the mechanics and engineers, stating, “Looking at the Formula 1 championship, our mechanics practically win the championship – with their performance and everything achieved during the pit stops. Our engineers have undoubtedly improved the car. But in other areas, we are still not at the required level.”
However, the chairman quickly turned his attention to the drivers, delivering a pointed message. “We certainly have drivers who should focus more on driving and less on talking,” Elkann said. “Important races are still ahead, and it is not impossible to achieve second place in the Constructors’ Championship. That is the most important message.”
Currently, Leclerc sits fifth in the Drivers’ Championship with 214 points, closely followed by Hamilton in sixth with 148 points. The team itself languishes in fourth place in the Constructors’ standings – a position Elkann deems unacceptable. The double-DNF in Brazil effectively eliminates any realistic chance of a significant championship push with only three races remaining: Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
Team Principal Frederic Vasseur acknowledged the disappointment, stating, “After such an afternoon, one must try to see the positive aspects of the weekend – even if that is difficult as the season draws to a close and you go home with a double retirement.”
Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion, is in his first season with Ferrari, while Leclerc has been with the Italian team since 2019, achieving a career-best second place in the 2019 championship. He is currently far from replicating that success.
The pressure is now firmly on Leclerc and Hamilton to deliver results in the remaining races, not only for their individual standings but also to salvage a respectable finish for Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship. The team’s performance in the upcoming races will be critical in determining the future direction of the Scuderia’s driver lineup and overall strategy.
