believes ’s perceived criticism of and was “surprising”, as he lamented the tradition at ’s crew.
Ferrari chairman Elkann implored Hamilton and Leclerc to after their double DNF on the final race in Brazil – and amid a marketing campaign the place the Scuderia haven’t gained a grand prix.
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The feedback have drawn criticism from followers and pundits alike, with Leclerc calling for and Hamilton insisting he’ll “by no means hand over” regardless of beforehand labelling his debut Scuderia marketing campaign as a .
John Elkann has been criticised for his feedback (Getty Photographs)
And Villeneuve, the 1997 F1 world champion for Williams, believes Elkann’s feedback are indicative of Ferrari’s crew ethos and the contrasting feelings after Ferrari’s hypercar outfit gained the World Endurance Championship on Saturday.
“It was a bit surprising, however it appears to be the Ferrari method while you have a look at the previous,” Villeneuve stated. “Most drivers have damaged their enamel there, most drivers with character. It is a unusual atmosphere.
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“Brazil simply turned out dangerous, not as a result of there was a scarcity of tempo or as a result of the drivers had been doing dangerous. I believe that [the comments] got here out somewhat little bit of left area, purely linked to successful the WEC [World Endurance Championship].
“You may have feelings, you’ve gotten power, and it’ll go each methods. And I am certain that is what occurred with the chairman as nicely. The feelings of successful after which a nasty weekend result-wise in Brazil. So, the 2 combined collectively created an enormous response.
“We dwell in an period the place the whole lot will get multiplied, whether or not it is on social media or will get over-analysed.”
Villeneuve added that the 2025 season has been a “huge letdown” for the Scuderia, who had hopes of preventing for the championship after ending second behind McLaren final 12 months. Neither driver has picked up a win whereas Hamilton is but to complete a grand prix within the prime three.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc must ‘discuss much less’, stated Elkann (AP)
“I do not see how these feedback could be useful,” Villeneuve added, in affiliation with . “Not least in making a optimistic mindset as a result of they’ve at all times gave the impression to be fairly united with their crew. They each gave the impression to be utilizing their social media channels to name for unity.
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“Clearly, the power at Ferrari isn’t nice, which isn’t shocking. It has been years of not successful. There have been excessive hopes this 12 months, so it has been an enormous letdown. So, in fact, the feelings run excessive.
“The issue is that when it will get out into the media, it will get soiled and that is by no means a pleasant factor. Then it will get larger than it’s and it may well get uncontrolled largely with the followers and the media.
“We actually must watch out with that as a result of it is a slippery highway. Hopefully that is the place it’ll cease as a result of we have seen what occurred with Prost, Mansell, nearly each driver with a character that has been in Ferrari. It could be a disgrace, if it went that method once more.”
Ferrari at the moment sit fourth within the constructors’ championship forward of the ultimate three races of the season. The subsequent race is the Las Vegas Grand Prix on 20-22 November.
