Ferrari President Urges Leclerc, Hamilton to 'Talk Less' Amid Cohesion Concerns

Ferrari president John Elkann has offered direct advice to Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, suggesting the drivers need to "talk less" and "focus on driving." His comments followed a disappointing Brazilian Grand Prix where both drivers failed to finish, highlighting what Elkann believes is a lack of cohesion within the F1 team.

Why it matters:

Ferrari’s president publicly calling out his star drivers, even subtly, indicates a deeper concern about team unity and performance. In a sport where every detail matters, a perceived lack of cohesion or focus can severely impact a team's ability to compete at the highest level, especially when chasing Red Bull and McLaren in the Constructors' Championship.

The details:

• Disastrous Brazilian GP: Ferrari suffered its third double non-finish of the season. Charles Leclerc retired early after a Turn 1 incident, while Lewis Hamilton's race was compromised by damage from an early collision, leading to a later retirement.
• Points Deficit: The weekend yielded only six points (Leclerc's P5 in the Sprint, Hamilton's P7 in the Sprint), dropping Ferrari to fourth in the Constructors' Championship. Their combined points are less than Max Verstappen's total alone.
• Elkann's Statement: Speaking at an event in Milan, Elkann praised the mechanics and engineers but stated, "The rest is not up to par. We have drivers who need to focus on driving, talk less, and we have important races ahead of us, and it is not impossible to finish second."
• Emphasis on Unity: Elkann stressed, "When Ferrari is a team, we win." He referenced Ferrari’s success in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), where their factory sportscar operation, AF Corse, won the hypercar title, as an example of what unity can achieve.
• Driver Performance: Leclerc has generally been the stronger performer this season against Hamilton, who has openly admitted struggles adjusting to his new car and team, though without publicly criticizing the team's efforts.

Between the lines:

While Elkann's remarks appear directed at the drivers, sources suggest the intent is to motivate the entire team towards greater unity rather than a direct criticism of Leclerc or Hamilton's specific behaviors. However, in the high-stakes environment of F1, such public comments from the president carry significant weight and could be interpreted as a warning to improve internal dynamics and focus.

What's next:

The Scuderia faces crucial upcoming races with the goal of securing second in the Constructors' Championship. The challenge will be to translate Elkann's call for unity into tangible on-track performance and demonstrate that the team, including its high-profile drivers, can operate as a cohesive unit under pressure. The team will be under intense scrutiny to see if these words lead to a more focused and successful approach in the remaining races.