Ferrari Drivers View John Elkann's 'Talk Less' Comment as Positive Encouragement

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc has praised chairman John Elkann's recent 'talk less' comments, interpreting them as a positive message aimed at motivating the team and drivers to improve their performance. Leclerc emphasized that Elkann's intent was to spur Ferrari on, not to criticize, despite the stinging barb aimed at the drivers following their double-retirement in Sao Paulo.

Why it matters:

Elkann's comments came at a critical juncture for Ferrari, who are locked in a tight battle for second in the constructors' championship. After a disappointing double-retirement in Brazil, the team fell to fourth, 36 points behind Mercedes. A clear, albeit direct, message from the chairman is intended to refocus the team and highlight the urgency of maximizing performance as the season nears its end.

The Details:

• Chairman's Remarks: Following Ferrari's double-retirement in Sao Paulo, John Elkann told Sky Sports Italy, "we have drivers who need to focus on driving and talk less." This was contrasted with Ferrari's successful World Endurance Championship team.
• Leclerc's Take: Charles Leclerc stated that Elkann had called him prior to his Sky Sports appearance to explain that the message was intended to be "positive" and to encourage improvement.
• Personal Relationship: Leclerc highlighted his long-standing and honest relationship with Elkann, noting that the chairman is ambitious and always pushes for maximum results.
• Honest Feedback: Leclerc appreciates Elkann's honesty, calling it "very rare" in Formula 1, where direct feedback can be scarce.
• Team Alignment: Both Leclerc and Elkann are aligned on the goal of bringing Ferrari back to the top, with Leclerc committing to doing "absolutely everything" to achieve this.
• Constructive Criticism: Leclerc views the comments as constructive criticism, believing there is always room for improvement, and he does not hold any "hard feelings."

The Big Picture:

Ferrari's chairman stepping in with such direct commentary underscores the pressure within the team to perform at the highest level. Elkann's comparison to the WEC team's success indicates a desire for a similar championship-winning mentality in F1. This top-down motivation aims to unite the team and channel all efforts toward securing better results, particularly in the constructors' championship race.

What's next:

The focus for Ferrari, led by drivers like Leclerc, will be on translating this internal motivation into tangible results on track. With the end of the season approaching, every race is crucial for their championship standing. The team will need to ensure reliability and maximize their car's performance to recover lost ground and solidify their position in the constructors' battle. Elkann's continued direct involvement suggests ongoing scrutiny and a push for excellence from the top.