Guenther Steiner Slams John Elkann for 'Poor Leadership' After Public Ferrari Driver Criticism

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has publicly criticized Ferrari chairman John Elkann for his recent comments on Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, calling it 'poor leadership.' Elkann publicly admonished the drivers after a disappointing Brazilian Grand Prix, suggesting they needed to 'focus on driving and talk less,' a sentiment Steiner strongly disagreed with.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's chairman publicly criticizing his star drivers, especially Charles Leclerc who is lauded for his commitment, can severely impact team morale and public perception. Steiner's comments highlight a potential disconnect in leadership communication at the highest levels of one of F1's most iconic teams, raising questions about internal support and the psychological impact on drivers. Such public remarks from a top executive are rare and can add unnecessary pressure, potentially hindering performance rather than improving it.

The Details:

• Following a disappointing Brazilian Grand Prix where Ferrari dropped from second to fourth in the constructors' standings, Elkann told Sky Sports Italy that Hamilton and Leclerc needed to "focus on driving and talk less."
• Elkann praised the mechanics and engineers for improving the car and pitstop performance, but stated that "the rest is still not up to par."
• Guenther Steiner, on The Red Flags Podcast, stated that while Elkann is the boss and has the right to critique, it should not be done publicly.
• Steiner emphasized that Charles Leclerc, in particular, "puts his heart and soul into this, everything. What more do you want from Charles?"
• He criticized Elkann's approach, saying it's "not showing good leadership to say, 'This guy is doing it right, the mechanics are good, the engineers are good, but you guys are bad' in public. And no comment about Fred [Vasseur]."
• Steiner also questioned Elkann's decision to criticize drivers he had a part in signing, suggesting he should "look in the mirror." He pointed out that Elkann likely agreed to hire Hamilton.
• Steiner speculated that Elkann might have been emotional or "pissed off" after the Brazil GP, where both cars failed to score points, especially after their success in the World Endurance Championship (WEC).
• He contrasted F1 with WEC, which operates under a 'Balance of Performance' system, implying that success in one cannot be directly compared to the other when criticizing F1 performance.

Between the lines:

Steiner's critique points to a deeper issue of internal communication and leadership style at Ferrari. Publicly singling out drivers while exempting other team members, including the Team Principal, can create divisions and undermine the collective effort crucial for F1 success. The comparison to Ferrari's WEC victory, while a win for the brand, might be seen as deflecting from the specific challenges and pressures unique to Formula 1, further exacerbating the tension within the F1 team. This public discourse from a chairman of Elkann's stature is uncharacteristic and suggests a profound level of frustration, but its method risks alienating key personnel.

What's next:

Elkann's comments and Steiner's response could fuel further speculation about leadership stability and driver morale at Ferrari. As the team navigates the remaining important races, the focus will be on how this public criticism impacts Hamilton and Leclerc's performance and their relationship with the top brass. The situation underscores the immense pressure on Ferrari to perform and the delicate balance required in managing a high-profile F1 team, especially from the very top.