Source: REUTERS/ELOISA SANCHEZ
[Saba Sports News] Ferrari Chairman John Elkann’s recent public comments have sparked considerable controversy in the motorsport world. His specific criticism of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc after the Brazilian Grand Prix not only created internal team tension but also drew strong criticism from former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner. This season, the Ferrari team, initially seen as championship contenders, has fallen to fourth in the constructors’ championship, moving further from their season goals. The Brazilian GP was particularly damaging, with both cars retiring due to incidents, further impacting team morale. Against this backdrop, Elkann publicly praised the team’s mechanics and engineers but implied the drivers were underperforming, demanding they “focus on driving and limit comments.” In response, Steiner argued that while Elkann, as chairman, has the right to criticize the team, publicly blaming the drivers is inappropriate. Steiner emphasized that when management publicly praises other departments while attributing failure to the drivers, it ultimately undermines team cohesion. Steiner also pointed out that Elkann cannot completely absolve himself of responsibility, as the driver lineup was decided by senior management – it was he who approved signing Hamilton – and thus, when problems arise, they cannot solely be blamed on the drivers. He should first look in the mirror and question whether he made the correct decisions.