Steiner: Elkann's Public Criticism of Ferrari Drivers Shows Poor Leadership
Ferrari chairman John Elkann publicly criticized drivers Hamilton and Leclerc, telling them to 'focus on driving,' prompting former F1 boss Guenther Steiner to condemn the remarks as 'poor leadership.' Steiner highlighted the negative impact of such public criticism on morale and questioned Elkann's role in driver decisions and the absence of comment on Team Principal Fred Vasseur, suggesting deeper issues within the Scuderia's management.
Ferrari chairman John Elkann publicly criticized drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, urging them to 'focus on driving and talk less' after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. This drew sharp comments from former F1 team boss Guenther Steiner, who called Elkann's remarks 'poor leadership' and questioned the public nature of the criticism, especially with no mention of Team Principal Fred Vasseur.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's chairman publicly admonishing his star drivers could signal deeper internal tensions at a critical time for the Scuderia. Such high-profile criticism not only impacts team morale but also raises questions about the leadership structure and strategic direction, particularly as the team navigates competitive challenges and the upcoming arrival of Lewis Hamilton.
The details:
- Elkann's Comments: Following a disappointing Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Ferrari chairman John Elkann stated at a Stellantis event that drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc should 'focus on driving' and 'talk less' about team performance in the media.
- Criticism of Drivers: Elkann specifically highlighted improvements in all other areas of the Scuderia, implying the drivers were not performing up to par.
- Steiner's Response: Guenther Steiner, on the Red Flags podcast, strongly disagreed with the public nature of Elkann's critique. While acknowledging Elkann's right to criticize as the boss, Steiner emphasized it should not be done publicly.
- Poor Leadership: Steiner labeled Elkann's statements as 'not showing good leadership,' particularly for singling out drivers while ignoring Team Principal Fred Vasseur.
- Defense of Leclerc: Steiner defended Charles Leclerc, stating, 'the guy puts his heart and soul into this, everything. What more do you want from Charles?'
- Hamilton Decision: Steiner also questioned if Elkann approved the decision to sign Lewis Hamilton, suggesting the chairman should 'look in the mirror' if he felt the driver choice was a mistake.
- Emotional Context: Steiner speculated that Elkann's comments might have been influenced by mixed emotions, as Ferrari won both WEC titles on the same weekend they suffered a double DNF at the F1 Brazilian Grand Prix.
Between the lines:
Steiner's commentary hints at a disconnect within Ferrari's top leadership. Publicly undermining drivers, especially without acknowledging the team principal, suggests a potential lack of unified strategy and communication. Such actions can erode trust and negatively impact driver confidence and team cohesion, which are crucial for success in the highly competitive F1 environment.
What's next:
The fallout from Elkann's public statements could have ripple effects on team dynamics, particularly as Ferrari prepares for Lewis Hamilton's much-anticipated arrival. How Fred Vasseur manages this internal pressure and whether the drivers publicly respond will be key indicators of the team's stability moving forward. The incident underscores the intense scrutiny and high stakes involved in leading one of F1's most iconic teams.