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 intent. Elkann generated controversy after the recent Formula 1 race in Brazil, noting 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. He also mentioned that Hamilton and Leclerc needed to “focus on driving and talking less”, suggesting that the team was struggling this year due to a lack of internal unity. The seven-time world champion, Hamilton, ruled out the suggestion of a split.Added: “I think there is great harmony within the team. Even with all the ups and downs we’ve had. I think everyone is focused on learning from this year to build a better future. That encourages me every time I go to see everyone back at the factory. Of course, there are areas where we need to improve, we are just working on that, that’s what we are working on.”John and I speak every week. We have a great relationship. I had no reaction to it. I don’t really delve too much into those things.
Lewis Hamilton
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 a title again this year. The suggestion that the drivers needed to improve seemed particularly harsh on Leclerc, who has contributed to all the team’s pole positions and podiums since the start of this season, while Hamilton achieved pole position and victory in the sprint race in China earlier this year. The 28-year-old driver suggested that he could still improve his own level in the attempt to turn Ferrari into a world championship-winning team again.John has always been extremely honest with me. When he thinks I’ve done something wrong or someone has done something wrong on the team, he’ll say it. When he called me, he told me what the intentions of his words were. That was very clear. It was a positive message, trying to be positive. So, however it was expressed, I really can’t comment. It’s not my job to comment, but the intention was positive.
Charles Leclerc
Elkann’s suggestion that the drivers should speak less was what generated many headlines immediately after. About that suggestion, Hamilton initially joked that “he’s always willing to do less media”. The seven-time world champion added: “But no, seriously, look, I think we all need to take responsibility in this team, and we all need to do our part. And I know there’s a lot of passion in this team, [from] every member of this team. I am incredibly grateful for the extraordinary effort that each person back at the factory continues to put in, week after week. And, of course, knowing that the team is Ferrari, there is always a great deal of attention, not always in a positive way. But we are all totally committed to changing this, and I am totally committed to helping this team rebuild and grow, and every challenge is an opportunity for us to grow and learn. I firmly believe that we will get to where we want to be.”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
While few would have predicted that Hamilton would not win a Grand Prix or not get on the podium in his first year with the team, he only has three races to avoid that result. He insisted that his belief in what the team can achieve has never wavered despite the difficult path.
“It’s crazy to think that a year has passed. It’s been an extraordinary experience, from the moment I arrived. I still pinch myself, honestly, because I’m in red, because I can drive a Ferrari and represent so many incredible people who, obviously, are not seen back at the factory. I joined this team knowing perfectly well that it takes time to steer a ship in a different direction. And you know, this is something huge, it’s a big organization. There are so many moving parts. It can’t be fixed in a snap of the fingers. It takes time. Of course, it hasn’t been what any of us wanted in terms of the season, with the problems we’ve had and the results we’ve had. We’ve just kept going, at full speed.”
