Leclerc appreciates Elkann's honesty after ‘focus on driving’ comment

13:22, 20 Nov

Updated: 14:00, 20 Nov

byBen Winship

Charles Leclerc has downplayed suggestions of conflict in the Ferrari camp after chairman John Elkann publicly criticised his drivers following their double DNF in Brazil.

“The intent was positive and that's what really matters to me.”

- Charles Leclerc on Elkann's comments

Following Ferrari’s third pointless grand prix this season, Elkann criticised his drivers at an Olympics sponsorship event in Rome, saying: “We have drivers who need to focus on driving and talk less.”

His comments have been a hot talking point as Ferrari is set for its first winless season since 2021, despite an all-star driver lineup of Leclerc and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

'Positive' comments

Speaking ahead of the Las Vegas GP, Leclerc assured the media that Elkann’s comments were intended to be positive.

He said: “John has always been very honest with me and I think that is very rare.

“When you're in Formula 2, Formula 3, it's very easy to meet actual people that are honest with you. When you get to Formula 1 and your status change a little bit, it's a lot more difficult to actually find people that are honest with you.

“John has always been extremely honest with me and when he thinks I've done something wrong or that anybody has done something wrong in the team he will say it.

John Elkann's comments have dominated the headlines since Brazil - Photo: RacePictures.

“He told me what the intention of his words were and it was very clear it was a positive message.

“Whichever way it's been expressed I cannot really comment and it's not my job to comment, but the intent was positive and that's what really matters to me so that's why I'm fine with that.

“And then whatever there is around the team I cannot control it, so I don't spend too much energy on that.”

Both Leclerc and Hamilton took to social media to issue their own reflections on a disappointing race for the team.

Leclerc was forced out of the race following a three-way incident with Oscar Piastri and Kimi Antonelli, while an incident-packed race ended on lap 38 for Hamilton.

Ferrari will hope to bounce back in Las Vegas, a race the team has achieved podiums in both times since Sin City returned to the calendar in 2023.

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