Imagine being a Formula 1 driver, pouring your heart and soul into every race, only to be publicly scolded by your team’s chairman for simply doing your job. That’s exactly what happened to Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton after a disastrous Sao Paulo Grand Prix, and it’s sparked a heated debate in the F1 world. But here’s where it gets controversial: Ferrari chairman John Elkann didn’t just criticize their performance—he told them to ‘focus on driving’ and ‘talk less,’ a move that 1996 F1 champion Damon Hill called ‘demoralizing.’
Let’s rewind to the race itself. Both Leclerc and Hamilton faced setbacks that were largely beyond their control. Leclerc’s car suffered significant damage after a collision between Oscar Piastri and Kimi Antonelli at Turn 1, while Hamilton’s race was marred by incidents that left his car’s floor damaged, forcing him to retire midway. It was a weekend to forget for Ferrari, but Elkann’s public rebuke added insult to injury. And this is the part most people miss: this isn’t the first time Ferrari’s top brass has publicly chastised its drivers. Legends like Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, and Sebastian Vettel have all faced similar treatment over the years.
Speaking to Mirror Sport, Hill didn’t hold back. ‘I was a bit surprised at what I heard,’ he admitted. ‘I didn’t notice [the drivers] saying anything outrageous. They’re part of the team, but they’re also the end-users of the product. They’re not going to pretend everything’s perfect when it clearly isn’t.’ Hill’s point? Public criticism like this can be deeply demoralizing, even if it’s intended as tough love. ‘It’s not humiliating, but it can be undermining,’ he added, suggesting that such comments should stay behind closed doors.
Ferrari’s struggles aren’t new. Their last constructors’ championship win dates back to 2008, and this year’s ups and downs haven’t helped their reputation. Hill believes Elkann’s remarks highlight a harsh reality: at Ferrari, drivers are often seen as ‘someone who’s passing through,’ while the team remains a permanent fixture. ‘Ultimately, the boss pays them, and they’re there to do a job,’ Hill noted. But is this the right way to handle setbacks? Or does it reveal a deeper issue within Ferrari’s culture?
Here’s the million-dollar question: Should team leaders publicly criticize drivers, or does it do more harm than good? Some argue that accountability is key, while others believe it undermines morale and trust. What do you think? Is Elkann’s approach justified, or has he crossed a line? Let’s spark a conversation—share your thoughts in the comments below!
