In a surprising turn of events, former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has called for Ferrari to reprimand their star drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, following what he describes as “stroppy” radio communications during the Australian Grand Prix. Schumacher believes that such behavior undermines the team’s unity and focus, especially during challenging race conditions. ​

During the rain-soaked race in Melbourne, tensions within the Ferrari camp became evident. Hamilton, in his debut race for the Scuderia, was heard instructing his race engineer, Riccardo Adami, to “leave me to it,” expressing frustration over strategic decisions made during the race. This candid exchange highlighted the growing pains of a new driver-engineer relationship under the intense spotlight of Formula 1. ​

Similarly, Leclerc’s communication with his engineer, Bryan Bozzi, raised eyebrows. When reporting a water leak in his cockpit, Leclerc received a seemingly dismissive response, to which he sarcastically replied, “Let’s add that to the words of wisdom.” This interaction not only showcased the driver’s frustration but also pointed to potential communication breakdowns within the team. ​

Schumacher, speaking on the German-language show “Backstage in the Pit Lane,” did not mince words:​

“It was like that with both of them. Not only Hamilton, but also Charles Leclerc was relatively stroppy on the radio. If I were the team principal right now, I’d call them both into my office and give them both a rap on the knuckles because that’s not on.” ​

He emphasized that the entire team works tirelessly to support the drivers, and such public displays of dissent can be detrimental to team morale and performance.​The Independent

In response to the criticism, Hamilton defended his actions, stating that he and Adami are still in the process of understanding each other’s communication styles. He highlighted the importance of clear and timely information during races and expressed confidence that their partnership would strengthen over time. ​

Leclerc’s exchange, particularly concerning the water leak, drew criticism from former F1 driver Christian Danner, who labeled the engineer’s response as “disgraceful.” Danner argued that when a driver reports a problem, it should be addressed with the utmost seriousness, especially given the challenging conditions on the track. ​

Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, acknowledged the communication issues and emphasized the need for improvement. He recognized that the Australian Grand Prix presented unique challenges but stressed the importance of learning from these experiences to enhance team performance in future races. ​

As Ferrari prepares for the upcoming races, addressing these internal communication challenges will be crucial. The team’s ability to foster a cohesive and supportive environment could be the key to unlocking their full potential on the track.