Villeneuve on Elkann's Ferrari Comments: 'Shocking' but 'The Ferrari Way'
Jacques Villeneuve commented on Ferrari chairman John Elkann's 'shocking' criticism of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, calling it 'the Ferrari way.' Villeneuve noted the historical pattern of Ferrari prioritizing the team over drivers and the emotional nature of such outbursts, especially following a double retirement. He cautioned that such public remarks, while typical of Ferrari's tumultuous past, could undermine team unity and driver morale in today's intense media environment.
Jacques Villeneuve has weighed in on Ferrari chairman John Elkann’s recent criticism of the team’s drivers, insisting that while the comments were “shocking”, they were not historically untypical of the Italian outfit’s internal dynamics.
Elkann sparked headlines after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, in which Ferrari suffered a double retirement and dropped to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, by saying Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc “need to focus on driving and talk less.” Villeneuve, whose late father was a legendary member of the Scuderia, offered a nuanced take on the controversy, framing it as emblematic of the House of Maranello’s tumultuous history.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's chairman publicly criticizing its drivers, especially after a double retirement, highlights the immense pressure and internal dynamics at one of F1's most scrutinized teams. Such comments, though 'the Ferrari way' according to Villeneuve, can profoundly impact driver morale and team unity, crucial elements for any championship contender.
The details:
- Elkann's Comments: Following a double retirement at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Ferrari chairman John Elkann stated, "Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc need to focus on driving and talk less." This immediately followed Ferrari's victory in the WEC, creating a stark contrast in team performance perception.
- Historical Context: Villeneuve emphasized that similar public criticisms have been a recurring trend at Ferrari, citing the departures of F1 legends like Prost, Mansell, Alonso, and Vettel. He stated, "Ferrari comes first. And Ferrari will always protect Ferrari."
- Emotional Outburst: Villeneuve viewed Elkann’s comments as less malicious and more a result of high emotions stemming from the WEC win combined with a disappointing F1 race weekend. "The emotions of winning and then a bad weekend result-wise in Brazil. So, the two mixed together created a big reaction."
- Impact on Team Morale: While acknowledging the historical precedent, Villeneuve questioned the helpfulness of such public criticism, especially in fostering a positive mindset for drivers who have generally appeared united with the team on social media.
The big picture:
The continuous struggle for an F1 championship at Ferrari has led to high expectations and equally high frustrations. This latest episode, while shocking, is a familiar pattern in Ferrari's passionate but often volatile environment. The intense media scrutiny only amplifies these internal tensions, making it a 'slippery road' for team leadership and drivers alike.
What's next:
If these public comments continue to escalate, it could further destabilize Ferrari's internal unity and driver confidence. Villeneuve hopes the situation doesn't devolve into past scenarios where prominent drivers left the team after similar public spats. The challenge for Ferrari now is to manage these internal pressures while striving for on-track performance, without further damaging the morale of its highly-rated drivers.