After John Elkann’s explosive criticism of Ferrari, Guenther Steiner, former Team Principal of Haas, stepped in to defend Charles Leclerc, explaining that you simply cannot ask more from the Monegasque driver. Here are his words.
The sharp warning from Ferrari President John Elkann to his drivers continues to echo across the paddock. The interview with Elkann shocked many and stirred controversy around the Scuderia. Charles Leclerc, in particular, was defended by Guenther Steiner following John Elkann’s remarks. The Italian-American has no doubts: Charles Leclerc gives everything, heart and soul, and should not be attacked for it.
Steiner shocked by Elkann: “Leclerc gives heart and soul”
On the podcast The Red Flags, former Team Principal Guenther Steiner commented on Elkann’s strong words in the media in recent days. Guenther Steiner disagrees entirely with John Elkann’s public approach and instead defended Charles Leclerc, stating that Elkann cannot demand more than what the driver already delivers.
“He has the right to criticize because, at the end of the day, he is the boss, but I think he shouldn’t do it in public,” said the Italian-American.
“With Lewis, okay, but Charles… that boy puts heart, soul, everything into it. What more do you want from Charles?”
“It’s not a demonstration of good leadership to say in public, ‘This guy is doing everything right, the mechanics are good, the engineers are good, but you are not performing.’ And no comment on Fred [Vasseur].”
“I find it strange, to say the least, to hear a comment like that from someone at that level of the company – the highest level. He doesn’t need anyone’s permission to do it or not.”
Guenther Steiner points to leadership responsibility
Guenther Steiner also believes that the Ferrari President himself bears some responsibility for the situation, as he chose the drivers.
“Also, who decided on the drivers? Sometimes you need to look in the mirror. Surely he approved hiring Lewis, as far as I know,” Guenther Steiner said – “He criticizes this guy, but I chose him. Maybe I made a mistake if he thinks he made the wrong decision. I don’t know what those two [Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc] said. I don’t get it. Maybe he was a bit emotional when he said it: they won the WEC championship and then didn’t even score points, both cars retired in Brazil… can you imagine how disappointed he was? Maybe he was a little angry.”
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