A bold statement from Ferrari's top brass has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, with John Elkann, the executive chairman, urging Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to 'focus on driving and talk less.'
This comes after a disappointing Brazilian Grand Prix, where both drivers failed to finish the race, leaving Ferrari in a precarious position in the constructors' championship. With Hamilton and Leclerc still searching for their first win of the season, the pressure is on for the iconic Italian team.
Hamilton, known for his outspoken nature, described the weekend as a 'nightmare,' a sentiment echoed by Leclerc, who expressed his unhappiness with the car's performance, calling it 'very slow.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Elkann's comments seem to suggest that the drivers' focus has been misplaced, and that their verbal critiques of the team may be hindering their performance on the track. Is this a fair assessment, or is it an attempt to deflect attention from the team's struggles?
Elkann did offer some praise for the mechanics, stating that they are 'winning the championship' with their pole positions and pit stops. However, he emphasized that 'everything else' is not up to par, and that the drivers need to step up and deliver.
Hamilton, ever the fighter, took to Instagram to show his resilience, stating, 'I back my team. I back myself. I will not give up.' A true champion's mindset, but can he and Leclerc turn their season around?
If Ferrari fails to win any of the remaining three races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, it will be a season to forget for the legendary team. Elkann remains optimistic, stating, 'We have some big races remaining, and it's not impossible to finish second.'
And this is the part most people miss: with McLaren far ahead in first place, the battle for second is incredibly tight between Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari. It's a testament to the competitiveness of Formula 1 that even with Ferrari's struggles, they are still in with a chance of securing second place.
So, what do you think? Is Elkann's criticism of the drivers fair, or is it a smokescreen to hide the team's own shortcomings? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
