UPDATE: Team president John Elkann has urgently advised Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to “focus on their driving and talk less” following a dismal performance at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on November 12, 2023. The call for action comes as both drivers failed to finish the race, with Hamilton retiring on lap 40 and Leclerc forced out on lap six.
In a dramatic turn of events at Interlagos, Hamilton collided with Carlos Sainz‘s Williams and Franco Colapinto of Alpine, leading to a five-point penalty for a misjudged overtaking attempt. Meanwhile, Leclerc’s early retirement was due to an incident not of his making. This poor showing has seen Ferrari slip from second to fourth in the constructors’ standings, with Hamilton and Leclerc now positioned sixth and fifth, respectively, in the drivers’ championship.
At a promotional event for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Elkann expressed frustration, stating, “In Formula 1, on the one hand, we have the mechanics who did their job, including poles and pit stops. The engineers did the same, with the car clearly improving. The rest wasn’t up to par.” His comments pointedly suggest that the drivers need to recalibrate their focus.
Hamilton described the race as a “devastating result,” sharing his feelings with Sky Sports: “This is a nightmare, and I have been living it for a while.” He reflected on the stark contrast between the dream of being part of the prestigious Ferrari team and the harsh reality of their recent results. Hamilton emphasized, “It’s challenging,” but also noted that there are “positives” to take from qualifying performances, particularly from Leclerc.
In a later interview with Viaplay, Hamilton remained hopeful: “If you look at Charles’ performance in qualifying, it shows that the car does have some pace in it. But we are just really having to fight through those hardships at the moment.” He reiterated his belief in the team and the potential for future success, stating, “I have to believe that these hardships lead to something extraordinary up ahead in my life and in my destiny.”
As the Formula 1 season nears its conclusion, the pressure mounts for Ferrari to regroup and capitalize on any remaining opportunities. With a few races left in the season, Elkann’s message is clear: success will require unwavering focus from both drivers.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Hamilton and Leclerc can turn the tide in the upcoming races. The stakes are high, and the urgency for improvement has never been more critical. Will Ferrari regain its competitive edge? Only time will tell.
