Ferrari Chairman Criticizes Hamilton and Leclerc: 'Less Talk, More Driving'

Ferrari Chairman John Elkann has publicly called out his Formula 1 stars, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, urging them to "talk less and drive more" following a disastrous outing at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Both drivers retired from the race, a significant setback that dropped the Scuderia to fourth in the Constructors' Championship with three races remaining. This position, if maintained, would mark Ferrari's worst season finish since 2020.

Why it matters:

Elkann's rare public criticism of his star drivers, particularly Hamilton and Leclerc, underscores the mounting pressure and dissatisfaction within Ferrari at the highest level. This direct call for more focus on driving performance rather than public commentary could either ignite a much-needed change in team dynamics or further strain relationships within the already tense Maranello camp as they strive to reclaim their competitive edge.

The details:

• Brazilian GP Disaster: Both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were forced to retire from the São Paulo Grand Prix, a result Elkann labeled a "great disappointment."
• Championship Standing: The DNF (Did Not Finish) for both drivers pushed Ferrari down to fourth in the Constructors' Championship, a position they haven't ended a season in since 2020.
• Elkann's Statement: Speaking at an event for the Winter Olympics, Elkann stated, "When we look at our engineers, there is no doubt that the car has gotten better. But for the rest, we are not at the level we aspire to."
• Direct Driver Criticism: He then emphasized, "We have drivers who should concentrate on driving and talk less. We still have important races ahead. It is not impossible to finish second." This comment has reportedly caused a stir within the team.
• WEC Comparison: Elkann drew a parallel to Ferrari's triumph in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), remarking, "And the most important lesson comes from Bahrain: When Ferrari acts as a team, we win."

Between the lines:

Elkann's remarks cut to the heart of a team that has been without a world championship title for nearly two decades. The patience in Maranello is seemingly wearing thin, despite team principal Frédéric Vasseur having recently received a vote of confidence with a new contract amidst rumors of his potential replacement. Public criticism from the chairman directed at the drivers could exacerbate an already fragile atmosphere. Hamilton recently described his final months with the team as a "nightmare," a sentiment that Elkann's latest comments will likely not alleviate.

What's next:

The Scuderia faces the challenge of uniting its efforts and translating the perceived improvements in the car's performance into tangible results. With important races still on the calendar, the team's ability to respond to Elkann's ultimatum will be critical in determining their final championship standing and setting the tone for their future competitive aspirations. The focus will now be on the drivers to deliver on track and for the team to rally together to avoid their worst championship finish in years.