Jacques Villeneuve calls out “stunning” Ferrari chairman feedback criticising his F1 drivers

Jacques Villeneuve is the most recent high-profile member of the F1 paddock to criticise Ferrari chairman John Elkann’s feedback about his drivers.

On the again of a Sao Paulo Grand Prix wherein Ferrari suffered a double retirement and slipped to fourth place within the constructors’ championship, Elkann stated Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc “have to concentrate on driving and speak much less”.

Elkann’s feedback have drawn criticism from followers and pundits alike, with 2009 world champion Jenson Button providing a blunt response, whereas former Haas boss Gunther Steiner felt the remarks have been “not exhibiting good management”.

1997 world champion Villeneuve is the most recent to weigh in on Elkann’s perceived criticism of Hamilton and Leclerc, and is worried it might result in a breakdown in relationship.

“We should not be shocked as a result of bear in mind the way it ended up with Prost, with Mansell, with Alonso, with Vettel. It appears to be a pattern at Ferrari. Ferrari comes first. And Ferrari will at all times shield Ferrari,” Villeneuve informed BetVictor On line casino.

“I did not see feedback that have been detrimental to the crew coming from the drivers. So, it is the chairman who’s achieved this, however this got here simply after profitable the WEC. I suppose he was pinpointing how superb the crew in WEC did, in comparison with F1. But it surely’s a distinct ball recreation.

“It was a bit stunning, nevertheless it appears to be the Ferrari manner if you have a look at the previous. Most drivers have damaged their tooth there, most drivers with persona. It is a unusual setting.

“Brazil simply turned out unhealthy, not as a result of there was an absence of tempo or as a result of the drivers have been doing unhealthy. I feel that got here out just a little little bit of left area, purely linked to profitable the WEC.”

Ferrari drivers will take it personally

Villeneuve warned that each Ferrari drivers will take the criticism personally.

“You additionally take a persona, you are taking drivers that can also assume, who may also help transfer the crew ahead. They don’t seem to be little robots that you simply put in a spot and principally do every thing you need, simply on the transfer of a fingertip,” he added.

“It is half and parcel of sports activities. You might have feelings, you’ve power, and it’ll go each methods. And I am certain that is what occurred with the chairman as nicely. The feelings of profitable after which a nasty weekend result-wise in Brazil. So, the 2 blended collectively created an enormous response.

“We stay in an period the place every thing will get multiplied, whether or not it is on social media or will get over-analysed.

“However I do not see how these feedback may be useful, not least in making a constructive 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.

“Clearly, the power at Ferrari is just not nice, which isn’t shocking. It’s been years of not profitable. There have been excessive hopes this yr, so it has been an enormous letdown. So, after all 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 might get uncontrolled largely with the followers and the media.

“We actually need to watch out with that as a result of it is a slippery street. Hopefully that is the place it is going to cease as a result of we have seen what occurred with Prost, Mansell, nearly each driver with a persona that has been in Ferrari.

“It could be a disgrace, if it went that manner once more.”