Serious Irritations at Ferrari Exposed Amid Elkann's Scathing Remarks
Ferrari chairman John Elkann's recent critical comments have exposed "serious irritations" within the team, particularly concerning Lewis Hamilton's lack of immediate on-track returns despite his significant salary. Pundit Robert Doornbos highlighted the tension, stating Hamilton isn't delivering, while Juan Pablo Montoya urged Ferrari to heed Hamilton's advice to improve the car for long-term success. The situation underscores the immense pressure for results at Maranello as Hamilton prepares for his highly anticipated 2025 move.
Ferrari chairman John Elkann's recent sharp criticisms following the Brazilian Grand Prix have highlighted 'serious irritations' within the Maranello team, particularly concerning seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton's performance. Dutch pundit Robert Doornbos noted the internal tensions, stating that while Hamilton receives a substantial salary, he has yet to deliver results for the Scuderia.
Why it matters:
Elkann's public comments underscore the immense pressure within Ferrari to achieve championship success, especially given their significant investment in Hamilton. The perceived disconnect between salary and performance creates internal strain and public scrutiny, critical for a team striving to return to Formula 1's top.
The details:
- Elkann's Remarks: Following a mixed weekend where Ferrari secured WEC titles but suffered a double DNF in F1, John Elkann reportedly issued 'sharp remarks'.
- Team Unity Response: Both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton posted messages on Instagram, attempting to demonstrate unity in response to Elkann's criticism.
- Doornbos's Analysis: Robert Doornbos, speaking on The Pit Talk podcast, explicitly stated, "They are happy to transfer 2.5 million to Hamilton every weekend, but he doesn’t deliver anything for it." He views this as 'painful' for Hamilton and Ferrari fans alike.
- Hamilton's Reputation at Risk: Doornbos also suggested that Hamilton's reputation will be significantly on the line with the upcoming regulation changes in 2026. Hamilton's success will depend heavily on Ferrari producing a 'cannon of an engine'.
- 'Thin Line' for Hamilton: Doornbos concluded that if Hamilton outperforms Charles Leclerc, he will become "the hero of Italy again," highlighting the precarious position he holds.
Between the lines:
While Elkann's frustrations are clear, Hamilton's move to Ferrari for 2025 comes with immense expectations and a massive financial commitment. The tension visible now, even before he officially joins, suggests a high-stakes environment where immediate results will be demanded. The comments from Doornbos imply that the investment in Hamilton is already under internal review, even if implicitly, due to current team struggles.
What's next:
Former driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes Ferrari should fully leverage Hamilton's experience to turn things around. He advises that "the faster Ferrari’s team and engineers listen to Hamilton on how to make the car better, the better it will be for the team in the long term." This suggests that despite the current irritations, Hamilton's input could be crucial for Ferrari's future development and success in the coming seasons.