After Worst F1 Start Since 2009, Ferrari Honcho John Elkann Steps in to Give Charles Leclerc Some Hope: “Time to Wake Us Up”

Ferrari has had it eternally tough in this sport ever since the golden age with Michael Schumacher waned away at the end of 2004. Since then, we’ve seen sparks of the prowess that the prancing horse possesses. However, it has only seldom materialized into a proper threat to the established order. Naturally, fingers have been pointed by the Tifosi and the media at the upper echelons of the Scuderia’s management hierarchy.

That being said, in a sensational turn of events, Ferrari was humiliated recently by a man working on the inside. Lapo Elkann, the brother of Ferrari boss John Elkann, recently Tweeted, “Ferrari needs seriousness and a winning team. In the pits and outside, it’s time to wake us up. Enough of politics and games, so you will never win.” And in light of such public shame, John Elkann has decided to speak out.

Chopping and changing afoot at Ferrari

2023 is the worst start Ferrari has gotten since the 2009 season. Naturally, tensions are running high. What’s more? Elkann’s brother’s comments haven’t really helped keep the balance of power sane within the team from Maranello. However, in a bid to regain some control and to show to the outside world who the boss is, Elkann has come out with a brisk yet impactful statement. His words, however, would be of pertinent interest to his star driver, Charles Leclerc.

According to Gazzetta.it, Elkann said, “Profound changes are underway within the walls of Maranello, in particular in strengthening sporting activity on the track.” [translated via Google Translate]

Read More: “We Made It Clear to Him”: Sebastian Vettel Defied the Wishes of Billionaire Aston Martin Kingpin Lawrence Stroll to Take His Own Path in F1

Even though positive words are coming out of the Ferrari camp, they still do stand the risk of losing Leclerc if things don’t change soon.

Charles Leclerc’s motivation explained by Frederic Vasseur

For Leclerc, his sole focus will be on that elusive maiden world title. And for a fact, winning it with Ferrari would be his main ambition. However, if things go on the way they are currently, the Monegasque will be wanting to look at his options.

However, his boss, Frederic Vasseur, thinks otherwise. RaceFans.net quoted him as saying, “I have absolutely no doubt about the motivation of Charles. For sure the start of the season is not ideal at all. We had the DNF in Bahrain and then the penalty in Jeddah, and the DNF in Melbourne. For sure it was not at all the plan, but the motivation is still there.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Bromance moments between Max Verstappen & Lewis Hamilton

Can Charles Leclerc win a championship with Ferrari?