F1 LIVE | Wolff praises Verstappen's charge, Elkann urges Ferrari drivers to 'focus on driving'

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has praised Max Verstappen's charge from the pit lane to the podium at Interlagos, highlighting his resilience as a four-time world champion despite recent setbacks. Meanwhile, Ferrari president John Elkann has issued a stern message to Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton after a double retirement in Brazil, urging them to 'focus on driving and talk less' and prioritize the team's collective goals.

Why it matters:

• Verstappen's continued threat: Wolff's comments underscore Verstappen's enduring capability to compete for the championship, even when starting from a disadvantaged position. This performance keeps the title fight dynamic, potentially extending it to the season's final race in Abu Dhabi.
• Ferrari's internal pressure: Elkann's public criticism of his star drivers, Leclerc and Hamilton, signals significant internal pressure within Ferrari. The team's poor performance in Brazil has raised questions about driver discipline and collective strategy, with implications for their pursuit of second place in the Constructors' Championship.

The details:

• Verstappen's Brazil GP performance: Max Verstappen started from the pit lane at Interlagos due to a configuration change and a fresh engine, yet he remarkably fought his way to the podium. Toto Wolff described this performance as 'even more impressive' than Verstappen's previous wet-weather drive in Brazil, emphasizing his skill in dry conditions.
• Wolff's championship outlook: Wolff hopes the championship battle between Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Verstappen will go down to the wire. He acknowledged Norris's 'solid' lead but noted that a DNF (Did Not Finish) could easily shift the dynamics, making a finale in Abu Dhabi desirable for fans and the sport.
• Elkann's disappointment with Ferrari: Ferrari president John Elkann expressed 'deep disappointment' after both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton retired from the Brazil GP. He praised the progress made by mechanics and engineers in areas like pit stops and car development but concluded that the 'overall performance isn't up to standard'.
• Elkann's message to drivers: Elkann called for unity within the team, directly urging Leclerc and Hamilton to 'focus on driving and talk less'. He stressed the importance of cohesive teamwork, stating that drivers must 'think not of themselves, but of Ferrari' to achieve the team's goal of securing second place in the Constructors' standings.

The big picture:

Verstappen's impressive drive in Brazil demonstrates his continued dominance and ability to overcome challenges, reinforcing his status as a formidable contender for the championship. His ability to recover from setbacks adds an unpredictable element to the title fight, keeping fans engaged.

Conversely, Ferrari's internal struggles, highlighted by Elkann's stern words, suggest deeper issues within the team beyond car performance. The call for drivers to prioritize team goals over individual aspirations points to a potential cultural shift being enforced from the top, which could influence team dynamics as they approach the crucial final races of the season and prepare for the 2025 season with Hamilton joining.

What's next:

• The championship battle will continue to intensify, with all eyes on the next races to see if Lando Norris can maintain his lead or if Max Verstappen can further close the gap. Wolff's desire for an Abu Dhabi finale suggests an exciting conclusion to the season could be on the cards.
• Ferrari will be under intense scrutiny in the upcoming races to see if Leclerc and Hamilton heed Elkann's words and improve their collective performance. Their ability to work cohesively will be critical for securing second place in the Constructors' Championship and building momentum for the challenges ahead.