Leo Turrini: Ferrari's problem is not the drivers.

      Leo Turini, a well-known Italian journalist and passionate Ferrari fan, could not ignore the critical remarks by Ferrari president John Elkann aimed at Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

      Such statements are never welcome. Would Luca di Montezemolo ever have said the same words about Ferrari’s drivers that John Elkann said? The Ferrari president’s statement shocks, I fear, not only me.

      I’ll start by saying that I know Elkann personally, and in some respects he is better than the common (not very enthusiastic, to be honest) opinion of him. But after such a bright and controversial weekend (a triumph in the WEC and the double retirement of Leclerc and Hamilton at Interlagos), what does the successor to Enzo, di Montezemolo and Marchionne do?

      He launches a direct attack on “Carletto” and “Baronetto” — on the aforementioned Leclerc and Hamilton. These poor guys may be at fault, but they cannot be blamed for the failure of the season. Not to mention that if the “Reds” haven’t won the title or the Constructors’ Cup since 2007, the root of the problem is not those who are driving the car in 2025.

      In any case, let’s give the floor to John Elkann: “The Brazilian Grand Prix brought great disappointment. In Formula 1 our mechanics are among the best at pit stops, our engineers have undoubtedly improved the car, but everything else falls short of our standards. Our drivers need to think more about driving and talk less.

      Important races are coming up; taking second place in the Constructors’ Championship is quite possible. They should take an example from Bahrain, where we once again showed that when Ferrari is a united team, we win.”

      In truth, Ferrari’s mechanics are not that great, and they have always been that way. But the engineers in Maranello and those who manage them have failed in their work. In 21 Grands Prix the team has not had a single victory, and it is fourth in the Constructors’ Championship. Fourth. Again.

      Hamilton has failed this season, but what car did he have at his disposal?! And Leclerc? He’s been waiting for a proper car since he was at school. If someone tells me, “Oh, let’s take Verstappen!” I will not hold back. Although you know my opinion of Super Max.

      But to make such sharp statements after Brazil… That’s not how it works. I repeat, John Elkann, contrary to many opinions, cares about Ferrari. I have known this since the moment we met. But if Gianni Agnelli’s nephew really thinks that the team’s problem lies with his chatty drivers… Well, then he at least needs to change his advisors, consultants and managers.

      Believe me, if since Schumacher and Räikkönen Ferrari has not won the title even once, it is not the fault of Alonso, Vettel, Leclerc or Hamilton. And if we don’t understand this, then we will truly never win.