Hamilton and Leclerc Respond to Ferrari Chairman's Criticism

Ferrari chairman John Elkann recently criticized Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, urging them to "talk less" and "focus" on driving amidst the team's challenging F1 campaign. Both drivers quickly took to social media to issue statements, emphasizing resilience and unity following a difficult Brazilian Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

Ferrari is enduring a winless season and recently suffered a disastrous race in Brazil, where both cars failed to finish. Elkann's public comments highlight increasing pressure within the team to improve performance and secure the critical second place in the Constructors' Championship, a position currently under threat from Mercedes.

The details:

• Chairman's Criticism: John Elkann, Ferrari's chairman, publicly stated that both Hamilton and Leclerc need to "talk less" and "focus" on their driving. This unusual public rebuke underscores the tension within the team.
• Brazilian Grand Prix Nightmare: The criticism came after a weekend in São Paulo where Ferrari's performance was dismal.
  • Hamilton's Race: He sustained damage early in the race after contact with Carlos Sainz and then another incident with Franco Colapinto. Ferrari ultimately retired his car due to substantial damage.
  • Leclerc's Race: He was forced out early after being caught in a collision involving Oscar Piastri and Kimi Antonelli, resulting in zero points for the team.
• Drivers' Responses: Both drivers posted statements on social media shortly after Elkann's comments.
  • Lewis Hamilton: "I back my team. I back myself. I will not give up. Not now, not then, not ever. Thank you, Brazil, always." His message emphasizes personal determination and loyalty to the team.
  • Charles Leclerc: "A very difficult weekend in São Paulo. Disappointing to come back home with nearly no points at all for the team in what is a critical moment of the season to fight for the 2nd place in the constructors' championship. It’s uphill from now and it’s clear that only unity can help us turn that situation around in the last 3 races. We’ll give it all, as always." Leclerc's statement highlights the importance of unity and the team's ongoing fight for second in the constructors' standings.

The big picture:

Ferrari's current struggles are amplified by the internal pressure from top management. With only three races left in the season, the team is in a critical battle for P2 in the Constructors' Championship, a position that carries significant financial and reputational weight. The chairman's direct criticism of the drivers suggests a growing frustration at the highest levels, demanding immediate results and a clear change in focus.

What's next:

Ferrari will need to quickly regroup and demonstrate improved performance in the remaining races. The emphasis on "unity" from Leclerc suggests that a cohesive team effort is seen as the only way forward. How the team and drivers respond to this public scrutiny in the upcoming races will be crucial in determining their final standing this season and setting the tone for their 2025 campaign.