Ferrari's 'Beatings Will Continue' Advice After Elkann's Statement

Ferrari President John Elkann's recent criticism of the F1 team, following a double DNF at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, has drawn a sharp reaction from former F1 strategists. Bernie Collins, ex-Aston Martin and McLaren, questioned the efficacy of such public admonishments, likening it to the old pitlane adage: “The beatings will continue until morale improves.”

Why it matters:

Ferrari's consistent struggle to challenge for championships, despite significant investment, has made the team a focal point for internal and external scrutiny. Elkann's direct remarks, intended to motivate, highlight the immense pressure on the Scuderia. However, the comments have ignited debate within the F1 community about leadership tactics and their actual impact on team morale and performance, especially concerning star drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

The Details:

• Elkann's Statement: Following a disappointing double DNF in Sao Paulo, John Elkann stated, “Brazil was a huge disappointment... In Formula 1, we have mechanics who are always first in performing pit stops. The engineers work to improve the car. 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.”
• Sao Paulo GP Setback: Charles Leclerc retired due to a clash with Oscar Piastri and Kimi Antonelli, while Lewis Hamilton's race ended prematurely due to floor damage sustained after hitting Franco Colapinto’s Alpine. This resulted in no points for Ferrari, causing them to drop to fourth in the Constructors' standings.
• Expert Reaction (Bernie Collins): Collins argued that such comments from the president offer little tangible gain for Ferrari. She emphasized that F1 drivers are inherently self-centered in their pursuit of points and championships, but their primary goal on race day is to maximize points, aligning with team objectives.
• Driver Intentions: Collins defended Leclerc and Hamilton, stating their intention was never to DNF. Both drivers want to score maximum points, and their individual goals align with the team's success.
• Underlying Issues: Collins suggested that Ferrari's long championship drought (since 2008) points to fundamental issues beyond the drivers or pit crew, despite the significant investment. She acknowledged Team Principal Fred Vasseur's ongoing changes but stressed that drivers are actively pushing for improvements.
• Expert Reaction (Ted Kravitz): Sky F1 pit-lane reporter Ted Kravitz also defended the drivers, suggesting Elkann's remarks were aimed at securing second place in the Constructors' Championship, a more realistic goal for the team. Kravitz highlighted that the drivers have been crucial in scoring points despite the car's fundamental flaws.
• Driver Response: Both Hamilton and Leclerc posted messages on social media, emphasizing their commitment to the team and continuous improvement, in what appeared to be a united front following Elkann's comments.

The Big Picture:

Ferrari's internal dynamics and public image are under intense scrutiny as they navigate another challenging season. While presidential intervention is not uncommon, the direct nature of Elkann's criticism, particularly towards the drivers, has raised questions about its motivational effectiveness versus its potential to dampen morale. The team's ability to rally and secure a higher Constructors' position in the remaining races will be a key test of their resilience and the impact of this leadership approach.

What's next:

With three rounds remaining, Ferrari still has a realistic chance to secure second place in the Constructors' standings, currently 36 points behind Mercedes. The team's performance in these crucial races will likely dictate the immediate future of its leadership strategy and the response to Elkann's challenge. Resolving any potential tension and focusing on unity will be paramount as they aim to maximize their points haul before the season concludes.