Photo: Race Pictures

Schumacher warns of ‘fire under Ferrari’s roof’, urges Leclerc to leave

19:01, 15 Nov

byNorberto Mujica

Ralf Schumacher believes Ferrari chairman John Elkann’s words were delivered with purpose and that a fire is breaking loose in the F1 team.

"You know John Elkann like that, it wasn't disrespectful at all, but there is a fire under the roof."

- Ralf Schumacher.

John Elkann. Photo: RacePictures

Elkann’s words regarding Ferrari’s F1 driver pairing, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, Schumacher believes were issued with a purpose in mind.

“The way he said it, without any emotions, was deliberately placed and also meant very seriously,” the German analyst said to Backstage Boxengasse in reaction to the Ferrari chairman's words.

“You know John Elkann like that, it wasn't disrespectful at all, but there is a fire under the roof. The expectation is high and logically he has also made some decisions, such as the signing of Lewis Hamilton, which are now putting him under pressure internally and that's why such a statement is coming now."

Schumacher urges Leclerc to have a 'plan B' ready

Ferrari chairman’s criticism of Leclerc, Schumacher thinks it is unwarranted, and states that the Monegasque should fight back, and even have a backup plan.

Schumacher continued: “If I were Charles Leclerc, I would ask the question, what's the point? I think Leclerc is doing a top job and getting the best out of the team and himself. In addition, he is a likeable guy who fits right into the Ferrari house. Family man, getting married soon.

“I would send my manager there and ask what this is all about. In such a situation, I always picked out a plan B with my manager and I would do that now in his place, because I wouldn't let myself be fooled,” the former F1 driver added.

Poll

Regarding Hamilton, though, Schumacher thinks the high investment his signing required from Ferrari is the catalyst for Elkann’s criticism of the British former champion. “With Lewis Hamilton it is probably quite clear. I think this is the most expensive personnel decision that has been made at Ferrari in a long time,” he stated.

“The performance is not right and I think that was also a small, different warning to Lewis Hamilton, because Lewis also had a tendency to be down this year. Lewis Hamilton is simply not good enough. I think Ferrari expected more, John Elkann expected more, the name pushed the share price up, but unfortunately the results didn't," Schumacher concluded.

Schumacher: Hamilton should make way for Bearman

Schumacher added Elkann could no longer justify Hamilton’s place at the team, arguing the seven-time world champion makes too many mistakes and isn’t faster than “just okay.”

He contrasts Hamilton’s high salary with Oliver Bearman’s strong performances for Haas at a fraction of the cost, suggesting Ferrari might prefer investing in the younger driver for the future. Read his full statements here.

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