Schumacher Warns of 'Fire Under Ferrari's Roof,' Urges Leclerc to Explore Options
Ralf Schumacher suggests Ferrari chairman John Elkann's recent comments expose internal turmoil, indicating a 'fire under the roof' at the F1 team. Schumacher believes Elkann's remarks are a deliberate response to high expectations and pressures, particularly concerning Lewis Hamilton's expensive signing and subsequent performance. He urges Charles Leclerc to consider alternative options and even suggests Hamilton should be replaced by Oliver Bearman due to underperformance and cost.
Ralf Schumacher believes Ferrari chairman John Elkann's recent comments signal deep-seated issues within the F1 team, suggesting a 'fire under the roof.' Schumacher interprets Elkann's unemotional yet pointed remarks as a deliberate statement stemming from high expectations and internal pressures, particularly following the high-profile signing of Lewis Hamilton.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's chairman publicly airing grievances, as interpreted by Schumacher, indicates significant internal turmoil and pressure to perform. This comes at a critical juncture for the Scuderia, a team with an illustrious history but a recent drought of championships, aiming to return to the top with new strategic hires like Hamilton.
The details:
- Elkann's Intent: Ralf Schumacher stated that John Elkann's words were 'deliberately placed and also meant very seriously,' suggesting an intentional message rather than a casual comment.
- Internal Pressure: The signing of Lewis Hamilton, described as 'the most expensive personnel decision at Ferrari in a long time,' has created internal pressure for Elkann, making a statement like this necessary.
- Leclerc's Position: Schumacher believes Charles Leclerc is performing exceptionally well, 'getting the best out of the team and himself.' He advises Leclerc to question the criticism and potentially look into 'plan B' options, given what he sees as unwarranted remarks from the chairman.
- Hamilton's Performance: Schumacher is critical of Hamilton's performance, stating, 'Lewis Hamilton is simply not good enough.' He suggests Ferrari and Elkann expected more, particularly given the financial investment and the initial boost to the company's share price from the announcement.
- Succession Planning: Schumacher even proposes that Hamilton should make way for Oliver Bearman, highlighting Bearman's strong performances for Haas at a much lower cost. He argues Hamilton makes too many mistakes and is not consistently faster than 'just okay,' making his high salary difficult to justify.
The big picture:
Ferrari is clearly under immense pressure to deliver championship results. The public comments from the chairman, as analyzed by Schumacher, highlight a disconnect between expectations, high-profile investments, and current on-track performance. This situation could lead to significant shifts in driver lineups and team strategy if results do not improve.
What's next:
If Ferrari's performance doesn't align with the high expectations set by their chairman, the team could face a critical crossroads. Leclerc might indeed consider his options, and the future of expensive talents like Hamilton could be questioned in favor of rising stars like Bearman, signaling a potential shift in Ferrari's long-term strategy and driver development.