F1 Fans Defend Hamilton and Leclerc After Ferrari Chairman's Criticism

F1 fans have overwhelmingly rallied behind Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc after Ferrari chairman John Elkann's unexpected criticism following the São Paulo Grand Prix. Elkann suggested the drivers should 'talk less' and 'focus on driving,' remarks that came as Ferrari struggled to hold onto second in the constructors' championship.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's chairman publicly admonishing his drivers, especially a seven-time world champion like Lewis Hamilton and a fan favorite like Charles Leclerc, is an unusual move that highlights deep-seated tensions within the Scuderia. This public spat could further destabilize the team as they head into the crucial final races of the season, impacting team morale and future performance.

The details:

• Following a disappointing São Paulo Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton described his experience as a 'nightmare,' while Charles Leclerc called the situation 'very frustrating,' emphasizing the team's need for three 'perfectly executed' weekends to finish the year strong.
• Ferrari chairman John Elkann, 49, responded by suggesting both drivers should 'talk less' and 'focus on driving,' implying a lack of focus or discipline.
• Driver's Response: Both Hamilton and Leclerc took to social media with defiant posts:
  • Hamilton declared, 'I back my team. I back myself. I will not give up. Not now, not then, not ever.'
  • Leclerc emphasized unity, stating, 'It’s uphill from now, and it’s clear that only unity can help us turn that situation around in the last 3 races. We’ll give it all, as always.'
• Fan Support: A poll by RacingNews365 showed overwhelming support for the drivers, with over 85% of respondents siding with Hamilton and Leclerc over Elkann.
• Championship Standings: Ferrari has fallen to fourth in the constructors' championship, 36 points behind Mercedes in second and four points behind Red Bull in third, with only the final triple header remaining.

The big picture:

Ferrari's season has been a rollercoaster, marked by moments of brilliance interspersed with strategic errors and reliability issues. Elkann's public comments suggest a breakdown in communication and potentially trust between management and drivers, which is detrimental to any F1 team aiming for the top. The fan reaction underscores that the public perceives the drivers as fighting for the team, while management's criticism seems misplaced.

What's next:

With only a few races left, Ferrari faces an uphill battle to recover in the constructors' championship. The team's ability to unite and put this public disagreement behind them will be crucial. The performance in the upcoming triple header will not only determine their final championship position but also signal whether the team can overcome internal strife and build a cohesive unit for future seasons. How Hamilton and Leclerc perform under this added pressure, and how the team responds to their chairman's critique, will be closely watched.