Steiner Criticizes Ferrari President Elkann for 'Poor Leadership' After Public Driver Comments

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has sharply criticized Ferrari president John Elkann for publicly admonishing the team's drivers after a disastrous São Paulo Grand Prix that saw a double DNF and a slip to fourth in the Constructors' Championship. Elkann's remarks, suggesting Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc 'need to focus on driving and talk less,' were deemed a clear and clumsy leadership fumble by Steiner.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's season has been plagued by inconsistency, and public criticism from the highest level of leadership can significantly undermine team morale and cohesion. Steiner's comments highlight the critical importance of internal communication and support, especially when a team is under immense pressure to perform and return to championship contention. This public dispute adds another layer of scrutiny to Ferrari's internal dynamics amidst a challenging period.

The details:

• Public Rebuke: Following the São Paulo Grand Prix, where Ferrari suffered a double DNF, John Elkann publicly stated that drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc "need to focus on driving and talk less."
• Steiner's Stance: Guenther Steiner, speaking on The Red Flags podcast, asserted that while Elkann has the right to critique as the boss, such comments should not be made in public, questioning the decision to air internal issues.
• Defense of Drivers: Steiner specifically defended Charles Leclerc, stating, "With Lewis, you know… But Charles, the guy puts his heart and soul into this, everything. What more do you want from Charles?" Leclerc has secured seven podiums in 2025, while Hamilton has only a Chinese Grand Prix sprint win with Ferrari.
• Selective Criticism: Steiner raised concerns about Elkann's 'selective criticism,' noting the absence of any comment regarding team principal Fred Vasseur. He argued this approach "is not showing good leadership saying 'this guy is doing it right, the mechanics are good, the engineers are good, but you guys are bad' in public."
• Comparing Championships: Steiner dismissed Elkann's attempt to draw parallels between Ferrari's sportscar championship triumph and its F1 struggles. While congratulating the sportscar team, Steiner clarified, "you cannot compare the two championships," emphasizing F1's distinct nature as not a 'balance of performance' series.
• Driver Decisions: Steiner also pointed a finger at Elkann's role in driver decisions, particularly the controversial swap of Carlos Sainz for Lewis Hamilton, stating, "Who decided the drivers? Sometimes you have to look in the mirror. For sure he agreed to hire Lewis, that's my understanding."

Between the lines:

Steiner's critique suggests that Elkann's public comments may be counterproductive, potentially eroding driver confidence and team unity at a crucial juncture. Effective leadership, especially in high-stakes environments like Formula 1, often requires internal communication of feedback and a united front publicly. By singling out drivers, Elkann risks alienating key personnel and adding unnecessary external pressure.

What's next:

Ferrari faces ongoing pressure to improve its performance and stability. The fallout from Elkann's comments, coupled with the team's current standing, will likely keep internal dynamics under close scrutiny. How Fred Vasseur manages this situation and whether Ferrari can rally to improve its Constructors' Championship position will be key storylines as the season progresses. The incident underscores the ongoing debate within F1 about effective leadership and communication strategies at the highest levels of the sport.