Ferrari chairman John Elkann said Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc need to “talk less and focus on driving” after the disappointing Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Hamilton and Leclerc were both involved in separate incidents that prevented them from completing Sunday’s race in Brazil as the team’s frustrating season continues.
Ferrari had hoped to challenge for the title earlier this year, but have slipped to fourth place in the constructors’ championship behind Red Bull and Mercedes.
Last year they finished second, just 14 points behind McLaren, but with three races remaining they are 394 points behind this year’s constructors’ champion.
Speaking at the Italian Olympic Committee ahead of next year’s Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Ferrari boss Elkann said: “If you look at F1 this season, you can say that there are mechanics who are winning championships with every performance, especially in the pit stops.”
“If you look at the engineers, the car has definitely improved, but if you look at other parts, it’s not up to par.”
“We have drivers who need to concentrate more and talk less because there are still important races left and second place in the constructors’ championship is not impossible.”
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Charles Leclerc’s race in São Paulo came to an abrupt end when he collided with Kimi Antonelli upon resuming the race, causing his front wheel to separate.
Hamilton joined Ferrari at the start of this year but has yet to finish on the podium, particularly in qualifying where he was down 16-5 in a head-to-head race and was well off the pace compared to Leclerc.
The seven-time world champion has not been familiar with the car other than winning the sprint pole at the Chinese Grand Prix in March.
Ferrari was forced to run the car at a higher speed than planned due to concerns about excessive wear on the plates, and both drivers were disqualified from the main race in Shanghai.
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Hamilton looks disappointed after qualifying 13th for Sao Paulo GP
Hamilton and Leclerc were also unable to push full pace due to the problem, causing them to lift and coast into corners, reducing the time their cars could reach top speed.
Asked about Ferrari’s latest setback in his first season, Hamilton told Sky Sports F1: “It’s a nightmare. I’ve been living it for a while.”
“The ups and downs are tough, the flip between the dream of driving for this great team and then the nightmare of the results we experienced.
“But tomorrow we will bounce back, continue to train and continue to work with the team. We wanted to get them some good points this weekend, but next race we will come back as strong as possible and try to get it back.”
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Karun Chandhok analyzes Ferrari’s sprint qualifying woes as Hamilton is under investigation for failing to slow down under double yellow flags
Leclerc: “Not all of the three-way clash was Piastri’s fault”
The big drama of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix came early when Oscar Piastri darted inside behind eventual winner Lando Norris in a battle for second between Kimi Antonelli and Leclerc at Turn 1, colliding with the Mercedes driver.
The collision sent Antonelli into the side of Leclerc, causing Leclerc’s front left tire to come off the car and forcing him to pull onto the road at the end of the next straight.
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Karun Chandhok and Jamie Chadwick analyze the Oscar Piastri, Antonelli and Leclerc crash and driver reactions on the opening lap
Leclerc told Sky Sports F1: “Oscar was optimistic, but I think Kimi knew Oscar was on the inside and he took the corner as if Oscar wasn’t there.”
“For me, not all the blame lies with Oscar. Yes, I was optimistic, but this could have been avoided. I’m frustrated. At the end of the day, I’m not mad at Oscar or you. These things happen, but I’m not going to say it’s all Oscar’s fault. I don’t think so.”
F1’s thrilling title race continues until the Las Vegas Grand Prix from November 21-23, broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
