Leclerc & Sainz Navigate Elkann‘s Public Critique with Composure, Highlighting a Disconnect in Ferrari’s Leadership Approach
MARANELLO, ITALY – While Ferrari Chairman john Elkann’s recent public assessment of the team’s performance sparked controversy, the measured responses from drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. demonstrate a level of professionalism and emotional intelligence seemingly absent from Elkann’s initial remarks. Leclerc, in particular, emphasized the importance of direct, honest interaction – a quality he attributes to Elkann personally – while together navigating questions about the public fallout from the Chairman’s statements.
Elkann’s criticism, delivered after a challenging Brazilian Grand Prix, was widely interpreted as a rebuke of the entire team, despite his stated intention to be “positive.” Leclerc acknowledged the ensuing “fuss” but maintained that a subsequent clarification from Elkann clarified his intent. “When he called me, he told me what were the intentions of his words. And that was very clear. It was a positive message, trying to be positive,” Leclerc stated. He further asserted the message “was definitely not specific to that race [in Brazil], but it was more a broader view of the situation and the season.”
this dynamic – drivers publicly defending a leader’s intent while subtly acknowledging the problematic delivery – underscores a broader issue within Ferrari. Leclerc repeatedly stressed the value of direct communication, noting it’s “very easy to meet people that are honest with you” in lower racing formulas, but “a lot more difficult” in Formula 1. He highlighted Elkann’s usual directness, stating, “John has always been extremely honest with me.and when he thinks I’ve done something wrong, or that anybody has done something wrong in team, he will say it.”
The drivers’ focus on Elkann’s stated intentions, rather than the impact of his words, has raised questions about the internal messaging within Ferrari. Leclerc insisted the team did not perceive the comments as negative “because again there was the explanation straight away,” and confirmed there had been “no bad repercussions.” However, he conceded he wouldn’t dissect the comments “word by word,” emphasizing his trust in Elkann’s underlying message. this willingness to prioritize intent over public perception, while understandable, highlights a potential disconnect between leadership communication and its reception, a pattern that has contributed to ongoing instability within the iconic racing team.
