Ferrari boss Elkann’s comments spark tension, says Schumacher
Ralf Schumacher believes Ferrari chairman John Elkann has deliberately lit a fire within the team with his recent comments.
“You know John Elkann like that, it wasn’t disrespectful at all, but there is a fire under the roof,” the German analyst told Backstage Boxengasse.
Schumacher thinks Elkann’s emotionless delivery was calculated.
“The way he said it, without any emotions, was deliberately placed and also meant very seriously,” he explained.
The pressure at Ferrari has been building, especially after the high-profile signing of Lewis Hamilton for next season.
“The expectation is high and logically he has made some decisions, such as the signing of Lewis Hamilton, which are now putting him under pressure internally,” Schumacher said. “That’s why such a statement is coming now.”
## Leclerc deserves better treatment
Schumacher doesn’t think the criticism aimed at Charles Leclerc is fair at all.
“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.”
He points out that Leclerc fits perfectly with Ferrari’s image too.
“He’s a likeable guy who fits right into the Ferrari house. Family man, getting married soon.”
The former F1 driver suggests Leclerc should be ready to push back.
“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.”
## Hamilton deal causing headaches
Schumacher thinks Hamilton’s signing has created massive pressure due to the financial investment.
“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 results just haven’t matched the hype so far.
“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.”
Schumacher didn’t hold back in his assessment of the seven-time champion.
“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.”
## Bearman deserves Hamilton’s seat?
Schumacher thinks Elkann might be questioning the Hamilton decision already, suggesting the Brit makes too many mistakes and isn’t performing at the expected level.
He even contrasted Hamilton’s huge salary with Oliver Bearman’s impressive performances for Haas, which come at a fraction of the cost.
The suggestion? Ferrari might be better off investing in younger talent for their future.
Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog’s F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog’s YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.
