Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc say they both spoke to Ferrari chairman John Elkann ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix and are not concerned about his comments after the Sao Paulo GP, which appeared to criticize them.
Elkann had stated after the double DNF at Interlagos that “that is important [the drivers] focus on driving and talk less,” as he also appeared to question the unity within Ferrari’s Formula 1 team. However, Hamilton says he speaks to Elkann regularly and that his own social media post after Brazil was not in response to the comments.
“John and I speak every week,” Hamilton said. “We have a great relationship. I haven’t had any reaction to it. I don’t look at those things that much.”
“[The post] was no response, I actually didn’t even see it when I posted it, and I flew. I didn’t hear it until I got home, so it wasn’t a reaction to anything. That was over the weekend.”
When the ‘talk less’ comment was put to Hamilton, he said there should be shared blame for the team’s disappointing performance so far this season, but that he believes Ferrari is united.
“I mean, I’m always willing to do less media! But no, seriously, look, I think we all have to take responsibility on this team, and we all have to play our role,” he said. “And I know there is so much passion in this team, in every member of this team.
“I am incredibly grateful for the extraordinary effort that everyone at the factory continues to put in week after week. And of course, knowing that the team is Ferrari, there is always a huge amount of attention, not always in a positive way.
“But we are all fully committed to turning this around, and I am fully committed to helping this team rebuild and grow, and every challenge is an opportunity for us to grow and learn. I am confident we will get to where we want to be.”
“I will never compare it to any other team because it is just so different. But I am constantly inspired. First going back to the factory, every time it is a great feeling. There is just something so romantic when you go to Ferrari, as you know, the brand.”
“I think there is great harmony within the team. Even with all the ups and downs we’ve had, I think everyone is just focused on using the lessons of this year to build a better future. That encourages me every time I visit everyone in the factory. Of course there are areas we need to improve. We are working on that.”
Leclerc reiterated Hamilton’s position, saying that Elkann had already contacted him before he was aware of what the Ferrari chairman had said.
“John and I have known each other for many years,” said Leclerc. “We have a very good relationship and we have been working together for many years. We know each other and I know that John is a very ambitious person and wants to push everyone to the limit to achieve the maximum results. He loves Ferrari, I love Ferrari, we all love Ferrari and we try to do the best in every situation.”
“I didn’t really see the news. John called me before that, just like he does after every race, to catch up. He also told me that the message he wanted to convey was positive, namely that we have to do better.”
“That is clear to everyone. We are on the same page and I will do absolutely everything I can to bring Ferrari back to the top. I have always said this in the past and I have always done my best. I will try to do better. That is really the priority within the team and what we want to achieve.”
“We are united. It is a message that is very important that it is passed on. I understand that there is a lot of fuss around the team at the moment, but the relationship that John and I have and John and the team does not change at all.”
“He’s been very clear with what he said. He’s always been very honest with us. When he says something, he means it. He spoke to all of us, just like he does regularly, and he’s very clear what he intends to say. That’s good for us.”
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