Chandhok Pinpoints Ferrari's Real Issue: The Car's Speed, Not Driver Talk
Karun Chandhok, a former F1 driver, argues that Ferrari's main problem is the SF-25 car's lack of speed, not its drivers. This directly challenges Ferrari president John Elkann's remarks, who urged drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to "talk less" and focused on other "not up to par" aspects of the team. Chandhok believes a faster car would make Leclerc and Hamilton title contenders.
Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok argues that Ferrari's primary problem isn't its drivers, but rather the SF-25 car's lack of speed. This directly contradicts Ferrari president John Elkann's recent remarks, who suggested drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton should "talk less" and focus on driving, while criticizing other aspects of the team as "not up to par." Chandhok believes if the Ferrari were competitive with McLaren, Leclerc and Hamilton would be title contenders.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's internal struggles and public criticism from its president highlight ongoing issues within one of F1's most storied teams. This clash of opinions between a team principal and an F1 expert underscores a fundamental debate about where accountability lies for Ferrari's recent performance. Resolving this internal discord and accurately identifying the root cause of underperformance is crucial for Ferrari to move forward and reclaim its competitive edge.
The details:
- Elkann's Criticism: Ferrari president John Elkann publicly expressed his disappointment after the Brazilian Grand Prix, where both Leclerc and Hamilton retired due to crash damage. He contrasted this with Ferrari's success in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), where they secured both Manufacturers' and Drivers' titles.
- "Not up to par": Elkann stated, "In Formula 1, we have mechanics who are always first in performing pit stops. The engineers work to improve the car. The rest is not up to par." He specifically called out drivers, saying, "We have drivers who need to focus on driving, talk less."
- Chandhok's Counterpoint: Karun Chandhok, a former F1 driver, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express a differing view. He wrote, "In reality, if the Ferrari was as good as the McLaren this year then I truly believe that Charles & Lewis would have been title contenders, fighting for race wins. The root of Ferrari’s problem is that the car hasn’t been fast enough this year."
- No Grand Prix Wins: Ferrari has yet to win a Grand Prix this season. Charles Leclerc has secured seven podium finishes, but the team trails Red Bull by four points in the Constructors' Championship.
- Jenson Button's Reaction: Former F1 World Champion Jenson Button also weighed in, responding to Elkann's comments with, "Maybe John should lead by example."
The big picture:
Ferrari's performance woes extend beyond individual race incidents. Despite having two highly talented drivers in Leclerc and Hamilton, the team has struggled to consistently challenge for wins or the championship. This recurring pattern suggests deeper systemic issues, whether related to car development, strategy, or team cohesion. Elkann's public comments, while intended as a rallying cry, have instead exposed internal tensions and drawn criticism from respected figures within the F1 community. The team's failure to convert promising starts into victories highlights the urgency for a holistic solution, not just a focus on driver communication.
What's next:
With important races ahead, Ferrari faces immense pressure to improve. The team's ability to unite and address the core issues—be it car performance as Chandhok suggests, or other factors highlighted by Elkann—will determine whether they can finish strongly and lay the groundwork for a more competitive 2025 season. The ongoing debate about accountability will undoubtedly continue to fuel discussions as the season progresses.