These words are sharper than any corner on the race track!
Ferrari president John Elkann strongly criticized drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton after the disappointing São Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil.
In the “Sky” interview he initially praised the team, with (still) hidden criticism of its highly paid stars. Elkann: “If you see it Formula 1 Championshipthen our mechanics practically win the championship – with their performance and everything done during the pit stops. Our engineers have undoubtedly improved this car. But in other areas we are still not at the required level.”
Afterwards he explained: “Of course we have drivers who have to concentrate more on driving and less talking. There are still important races ahead and it is not impossible to achieve second place in the constructors’ championship. That is the most important message.”
John Elkann (49) is chairman of Ferrari’s supervisory board
The announcement was clear: Elkann shot at the driver!
In the drivers’ standings, Leclerc (214 points) is in 5th place, followed directly by Brit Hamilton (148 points). In the team ranking, “Scuderia” only took 4th place. Not enough for Elkann.
Both failed to finish in Brazil. So it’s impossible to catch up, with three races remaining (Las Vegas, Qatar, Abu Dhabi).
Team boss Frederic Vasseur made no secret of his disappointment with the race: “After an afternoon like this you have to try to look at the positive aspects of the weekend – although it is difficult when the season is coming to an end and you go home with a double retirement.”
Seven-time world champion Hamilton has only raced for Ferrari this season. Monegasque Leclerc has been under contract with the “red goddess” since 2019. His best placing was runner-up at the 2019 World Championship.
Vollmer & Kuhn at DTM: Sports giants are pushed into racing cars
