John Elkann. Photo: RacePictures

Pundit criticizes Ferrari boss over controversial comments on drivers

18:04, 12 Nov

Updated: 19:17, 12 Nov

byTobia Elia

Sky Sports reporter Ted Kravitz has weighed in on Ferrari chairman John Elkann’s explosive remarks about his drivers.

"To say that the drivers should think less of themselves and more about the team, the drivers are thinking about the team"

- Ted Kravitz

Speaking on the Sky F1 Show podcast, Kravitz said he believes the drivers actually care about the team’s interests far more than their own — contrary to what the chairman suggested.

He said: "I think it's fine for Elkann to say what he wants. He's the president of the team. But to say that the drivers should think less of themselves and more about the team, the drivers are thinking about the team.

"Of course they're thinking about the team. Lewis is thinking about the team when he says that he wants to make things better and it's going to make him more performant. Charles is thinking about the team saying, 'some of the things that Lewis is pointing out, I felt about for quite a long time in the team and we need to improve.' They're all looking to improve. So I don't know.

Photo: Race Pictures

Kravitz went on to wonder how the two Ferrari drivers would react to such comments and whether there would be a public response — something that, to some extent, has already happened with the posts recently shared on their social media accounts.

"The drivers are clearly... Lewis is being open about it. But what's Lewis going to say? And what's Charles going to say? 'Oh, I'm fine with it. It's okay.' No one's going to buy that."

Ferrari’s lacklustre F1 era under Elkann

John Elkann took over as Ferrari chairman in October 2018, following the tragic death of Sergio Marchionne just a few months earlier. His tenure has so far fallen short of expectations, with Ferrari’s performances failing to live up to the standards of Formula 1’s most iconic and successful team.

In the eight seasons since, the Scuderia have not only missed out on world titles but have also struggled to find consistency and stability within their leadership and key technical roles.

Here’s a look at Ferrari’s numbers under Elkann’s chairmanship so far.

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