Hamilton and Leclerc downplay Elkann’s criticism at Ferrari

Hamilton and Leclerc Downplay Elkann Criticism

Las Vegas – Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc downplayed criticism from Ferrari president John Elkann about their performance this season, insisting the comments had a positive intention. After the recent Formula 1 race in Brazil, Elkann generated controversy by pointing out that, while Ferrari’s mechanics and engineers operated at a high level, the rest of the team, mainly its drivers, “were not up to par”, in what appears to be a winless season. Elkann also suggested that Hamilton and Leclerc needed to “focus on driving and talking less”, and hinted that the team was struggling this year due to a lack of internal unity. The seven-time world champion, Hamilton, dismissed the suggestion of a division in the team.

John and I talk every week. We have a great relationship. I had no reaction to it. I don’t really pay much attention to those things.

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton added that there is great harmony within the team, despite the ups and downs. He highlighted that everyone is focused on learning from this year to build a better future, which encourages him every time he visits the factory. He acknowledged areas for improvement and the importance of working on them.

Leclerc, who joined Ferrari in 2019, commented that Elkann is a very ambitious person who seeks to push everyone to the maximum to obtain the best results. Leclerc stated that both he and Elkann and the entire team love Ferrari and strive to give their best in every situation. Leclerc believes that Elkann’s quotes have been misinterpreted, assuring that Elkann has always been honest with him and that, when he considers that something has not been done well, he expresses it directly. Leclerc emphasized that Elkann’s message was positive. Elkann’s comments came after a disappointing year, following high expectations prior to the season. The arrival of Hamilton and the fact that Ferrari was on the verge of the constructors’ championship last year generated the feeling that the Italian team could compete for the title this year. The suggestion that the drivers needed to improve seemed especially harsh for Leclerc, who has contributed to all the pole positions and podiums for the team since the start of the season, while Hamilton achieved pole and victory in the sprint race in China. Leclerc, 28 years old, suggested that he can still improve his level to help Ferrari become the best team in the world.

We are aligned and I will absolutely do everything possible to bring Ferrari back to the top. I have always said this in the past and I have always given my best. I will try to do better. That is really the priority in the team and what we want to achieve.

Charles Leclerc

Elkann’s suggestion that the drivers should speak less was what generated the majority of the headlines. Hamilton initially joked that he is always willing to make fewer media appearances. The seven-time world champion added that everyone on the team must take responsibility and play their part. He highlighted the passion that exists in the team and thanked each member for their effort. He acknowledged the great attention that Ferrari always has, not always in a positive way, but he showed commitment to help the team rebuild and grow, considering each challenge as a learning opportunity. Although few would have predicted that Hamilton would not win a grand prix or get on the podium in his first year with the team, he still has three races to achieve it. He insisted that his belief in what the team can achieve has never wavered, despite the ups and downs. Hamilton described the experience as extraordinary from the moment he arrived at Ferrari. He expressed his gratitude for being on the team and representing so many incredible people. He acknowledged that it takes time to change the direction of such a large team and that everything cannot be fixed overnight. Despite the results and the problems of the season, Hamilton affirmed that the team is still moving forward at full speed.