Former Ferrari driver Arturo Merzario has delivered strong criticism of Charles Leclerc, suggesting the Monegasque would not have been accepted by Ferrari during Enzo Ferrari’s era.

Speaking to automoto.it, Merzario said Leclerc did not deserve a Ferrari seat at the time he received it, describing him as a very good driver but not exceptional compared to others.

Merzario dismissed comparisons between Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton this season, despite Leclerc securing all seven of Ferrari’s podium finishes and the team’s only pole position in Hungary.

He argued that Hamilton’s performance should not be used as a benchmark, stating the seven-time world champion had taken his “foot off the gas” because he did not feel integrated within the team.

Merzario reiterated that, in his view, Leclerc would not even have been welcomed as a Ferrari customer had Enzo Ferrari still been alive.

Former Michael Schumacher race engineer Luigi Mazzola has criticised Ferrari chairman John Elkann over comments made after the team’s Brazilian Grand Prix, which ended in a double DNF.

Elkann had urged Ferrari’s drivers to “talk less and focus on driving more,” remarks that sparked debate. Speaking to NewsF1, Mazzola said such comments should have remained private, describing them as politically targeted and unnecessary when made publicly.

He argued Elkann missed an opportunity to highlight Ferrari’s success in the World Endurance Championship, where the team secured both drivers’ and constructors’ titles.

Mazzola stated that Elkann has limited Formula 1 expertise and suggested the comments may not have originated directly from him.

While critical of the impact of the remarks, Mazzola added that Elkann’s influence does not compare to that of former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, downplaying the after effect of the chairman's taunting remarks.

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