Damon Hill SLAMS Ferrari’s fragile leadership and advises drastic changes

Internal politics has always been Ferrari’s Achilles heel in Formula 1.

Damon Hill (Image credit: PlanetF1)

Charles Leclerc‘s request for slick tires during qualifying for the Canadian GP, as the track dried, was ignored by Ferrari. They kept him on intermediates, causing him to miss Q3. Leclerc expressed frustration over the team radio, but the mistake ruined his chance for a decent result. 1996 world champion Damon Hill heavily criticized the Scuderia for their mistakes.

Damon Hill suggested that Ferrari take a thorough and critical self-assessment or have someone else do so. He remarked that the team consistently experiences this kind of decline and uncertainty regarding the leadership. Hill emphasized the need for a strong figure like Ross Brawn or Jean Todt to take control and unite the team.

They [Ferrari] need to have a good, long, hard look at themselves, or someone does. It’s like, you’re not sure who’s really in charge there. It’s such a potent force in the sport; it needs the firm hand of someone like a Ross Brawn or a Jean Todt to grab it and get everyone to march with them,” Hill told The Express

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Charles Leclerc faces uncertain future as Ferrari contract nears expiry, suggests Damon Hill

Damon Hill (Image credit: Daily Express) and Charles Leclerc (Image credit: Autosport)

Charles Leclerc is currently in his fifth year with the Ferrari F1 team. However, his contract terminates at the end of 2024, leaving the option open for the Monegasque driver. With the Scuderia’s persistent misfortune, many claims that Leclerc might not look forward to extending his contract with his team. However, Damon Hill reckons Leclerc will have no room with any other team.

Hill remarked that when it comes to alternatives for Leclerc outside of Ferrari, the options appear to be non-existent. He mentioned the possibility of Leclerc considering Aston Martin but noted that Fernando Alonso already had a two-year contract with the team. Hill suggested that Alonso might be willing to step aside if the financial offer was significant but doubted Leclerc’s willingness to give up a competitive drive.

The 1996 World Champion has blasted Ferrari after a strategy error denied Charles Leclerc the chance of getting into Q3 in Canada last weekend?#Leclerc #Ferrari #F1 #Formula1 pic.twitter.com/0HOJpO9AAV
— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) June 25, 2023

“I suppose he could look at Aston Martin but I think Fernando’s got a two-year contract with them anyway. I think he’d probably step aside if they paid him enough money, but I don’t think he wants to give up a competitive drive,” Hill argued.

Ferrari’s abysmal 2023 season has only resulted in one podium for the Maranello-based team. After Charles Leclerc’s P3 in Baku, the team has not seen a competitive result. The Scuderia is currently P4 in the constructors’ standings behind rivals Aston Martin and Mercedes.