Ferrari Chairman Criticizes Hamilton and Leclerc Post-Brazil

Ferrari chairman John Elkann has publicly called on star drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to "talk less" and "focus" on their driving, following a dismal São Paulo Grand Prix. Both drivers retired from the race at Interlagos, a result that significantly impacted Ferrari's standing in the Constructors' Championship.

Why it matters:

Elkann's rare public criticism underscores the pressure building within Ferrari to improve performance and consistency. Coming from the chairman, these comments signal deep frustration and a demand for immediate results, especially as the team battles for second place in the Constructors' Championship against Mercedes. This direct critique of their top drivers highlights a potential shift in internal dynamics and expectations.

The details:

• Double Retirement in Brazil: Charles Leclerc retired early after being involved in a first-corner incident on lap six, initiated by contact between Kimi Antonelli and Oscar Piastri. Lewis Hamilton, starting 13th, retired due to significant floor damage sustained after hitting Franco Colapinto's car.
• Championship Impact: The disastrous weekend saw Ferrari fall to fourth in the Constructors' standings, now trailing Mercedes by 36 points. This setback makes their fight for second place considerably more challenging with key races still ahead.
• Elkann's Frustration: Speaking after Ferrari secured the World Endurance Championship (WEC) title in Bahrain on the same weekend, Elkann expressed his profound disappointment with the F1 team's performance in Brazil.
• Critique of Performance: Elkann praised the mechanics for their pit stop performance and acknowledged improvements in the car by the engineers. However, he stated, "If we look at the rest, it's not up to par." He specifically emphasized that the drivers need to "focus on driving and talk less." This strongly suggests a perception that off-track distractions or comments might be impacting on-track results.

The big picture:

Ferrari's season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. While the car has shown flashes of brilliance and the team's pit operations have been consistently strong, driver errors and reliability issues have frequently undermined their potential. Elkann's remarks reflect a desire for greater cohesion and a singular focus on achieving results, echoing his sentiment that "When Ferrari is united, you get results" – a statement made in the context of their WEC success.

What's next:

With important races remaining, Ferrari's immediate goal is to claw back points against Mercedes to secure second in the Constructors' Championship. How Hamilton and Leclerc respond to Elkann's public challenge will be crucial. The team's ability to minimize errors and maximize performance in the upcoming races will determine if they can meet their chairman's expectations and finish the season on a stronger note.