Hamilton and Leclerc Respond After Ferrari Boss's 'Talk Less' Remarks
Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have publicly committed to unity and resilience following chairman John Elkann's remarks urging them to "focus on driving and talk less." After a challenging Sao Paulo Grand Prix saw Ferrari drop to fourth in the Constructors' Championship, both drivers posted messages emphasizing their dedication to turning the season around and fighting for crucial points in the final races.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have issued rallying cries, emphasizing commitment and unity at Ferrari, following remarks from chairman John Elkann. Elkann reportedly urged drivers to “focus on driving and talk less” after Ferrari’s challenging performance at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where they dropped to fourth in the Constructors' Championship.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's chairman publicly addressing driver communication is a rare and significant move, highlighting internal pressure as the team fights to regain form in a critical part of the season. The drivers' unified responses underscore their commitment amidst a slump that threatens Ferrari’s historical standing in F1 and could impact their financial position in the Constructors' Championship.
The Details:
- Chairman's Comments: John Elkann, Ferrari's chairman, stated in an interview that drivers should “focus on driving and talk less” to help the team finish the season strongly.
- Context: His remarks came after Ferrari's performance at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, which saw them fall from second to fourth in the Constructors' Championship.
- Elkann's Praise: Elkann praised the team's mechanics and engineers, citing their success in the World Endurance Championship as proof that “when Ferrari is united, you get results.”
- Leclerc's Response: Charles Leclerc posted on X, acknowledging a “very difficult weekend” and emphasizing that “only unity can help us turn that situation around in the last three races.”
- Hamilton's Stance: Lewis Hamilton, who had a “nightmare” race, posted on Instagram, stating, “I back my team. I back myself. I will not give up. Not now, not then, not ever.”
- Race Incidents: Ferrari suffered a double DNF at Interlagos. Leclerc's car was damaged after contact involving Oscar Piastri and Kimi Antonelli, while Hamilton’s car sustained damage from tagging Franco Colapinto’s Alpine.
- Championship Impact: The no-score meant Ferrari slipped 36 points behind Mercedes and four points behind Red Bull in the fight for second in the lucrative teams’ standings.
The big picture:
Ferrari, a team with a storied history, is facing a real risk of its first winless year since 2021 and could finish outside the top three in the standings for only the fourth time in 31 campaigns. The pressure from the chairman and the drivers’ public responses reveal a team under intense scrutiny as the season nears its end. Their ability to unify and perform in the remaining races will be crucial for their immediate future and long-term reputation.
What's next:
The Scuderia faces three crucial race weekends: Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. With second place in the Constructors’ Championship still within reach, the team’s focus on unity and on-track performance will be paramount. How Hamilton and Leclerc translate their public statements into results will determine if Ferrari can recover from this challenging period and salvage their season.