Elkann Slams Ferrari Drivers: 'Talk Less, Focus on Driving!'

Ferrari chairman John Elkann has issued a stern directive following the team's disastrous São Paulo Grand Prix, telling drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to "focus on driving and talk less." This public rebuke comes after a double DNF at Interlagos, which saw the Scuderia drop from second to fourth in the Constructors' standings, marking one of their most disappointing weekends of the season.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's chairman rarely intervenes publicly, making this direct criticism a significant statement about the intensifying pressure within the team. With the Constructors' second place slipping away and major investment in new talent like Hamilton, Elkann's words underscore a clear demand for immediate performance and accountability from his star drivers, especially as the season nears its conclusion.

The Details:

• Ferrari suffered a double DNF at the São Paulo Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc retiring after a collision involving Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oscar Piastri, and Lewis Hamilton's race ending early due to damage from an opening-lap contact with Carlos Sainz and Franco Colapinto.
• This result led to Ferrari plummeting from second to fourth in the Constructors' Championship standings.
• Elkann's Contrast: John Elkann explicitly compared the F1 team's struggles with the recent triumph of Ferrari's AF Corse factory outfit in the World Endurance Championship, where they clinched both Drivers' and Constructors' titles.
  • He emphasized that the WEC success demonstrated what Ferrari can achieve "when everyone works together."
• Internal Assessment: While praising the mechanics for their pitstop performance and engineers for car improvements, Elkann highlighted that "the rest is still not up to par," pointing directly at the drivers.
  • His exact quote: "We surely have drivers who need to focus on driving and talk less."

The Big Picture:

Ferrari's ambition to return to championship contention has been a long-standing narrative. Despite significant investment and strategic hires, including Lewis Hamilton's future arrival, consistent performance has remained elusive. Elkann's intervention reflects a critical juncture where internal expectations are clashing with on-track results, demanding a shift in focus and performance from the team's most prominent figures. This also sets a precedent for how leadership will address future challenges, emphasizing a no-excuses approach to achieving their goals.

What's next:

With three crucial races remaining, Ferrari faces an uphill battle to reclaim second place in the Constructors' Championship. Elkann's blunt message serves as a clear mandate: the drivers must deliver flawless performances. The pressure is now squarely on Leclerc and Hamilton to demonstrate their capabilities on track and translate the team's potential into tangible results, aiming to finish the season strongly and silence any further criticism.