Damon Hill: Ferrari Chairman's 'Demoralizing' Remarks Undermine Hamilton and Leclerc

Ferrari chairman John Elkann's recent comments, which appeared to criticize drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, have been labeled "demoralizing" and "undermining" by 1996 F1 champion Damon Hill. Elkann praised the Maranello mechanics and engineers but urged the drivers to "talk less" and focus on racing, following a disappointing season for the Scuderia.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's chairman publicly chastising its star drivers is a rare and potentially damaging move. It risks creating internal friction and undermining morale at a crucial time, especially as the team aims to rebound from a winless 2024 season and integrate Lewis Hamilton in 2025. Such comments could also affect team unity and public perception, impacting future performance and driver confidence.

The Details:

• Following a disastrous grand prix in São Paulo, Elkann's remarks were widely seen as a retort to Hamilton's description of his Ferrari experience as a "nightmare" and Leclerc's frustration with the team's poor campaign.
• Ferrari is set to finish fourth in the F1 constructors' championship without a single Grand Prix victory this year, a significant underperformance for the storied team.
• Damon Hill expressed surprise at Elkann's comments, noting that drivers are often the "end-user of the product" and are expected to be critical when performance is lacking.
• Hill emphasized that while bosses have the right to voice opinions, public criticism can be "demoralizing" and "undermining" to drivers, even if the intent is to foster unity.
• Both Hamilton and Leclerc took to social media shortly after Elkann's comments to share messages promoting team unity, an apparent direct response to the chairman's remarks.

Between the lines:

While Elkann's motivation for the public comments remains unclear, Hill highlighted that the team owner ultimately holds the power. Drivers, even those as prominent as Hamilton and Leclerc, are seen as temporary figures compared to an enduring institution like Ferrari. This dynamic underscores the intense pressure and unique relationship between F1 drivers and their team management, especially in a team with Ferrari's legacy.

What's next:

Ferrari faces the challenge of regrouping and building a more cohesive environment ahead of the 2025 season, which will see Lewis Hamilton join the team. How the management addresses driver morale and internal communication in the wake of these comments will be crucial for their future success and ability to challenge for championships.