Ralf Schumacher slams Hamilton and Leclerc for unprofessional behavior during race
- Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc faced criticism for their behavior on team radios during the Australian Grand Prix.
- Ralf Schumacher urged Ferrari to discipline both drivers for their negative attitudes on the radio.
- The incident raises concerns about teamwork and communication as the new season begins.
In Australia, during the recent Formula One Australian Grand Prix, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc faced scrutiny for their unsatisfactory behavior on team radios. The race took place in challenging wet conditions, which led to a strategic decision from Ferrari that resulted in Hamilton losing the race lead after being held up by a safety car. Hamilton's day ended in disappointment as he finished in 10th place, well below expectations for his debut with Ferrari. Communications between Hamilton and his race engineer, Ricciardo Adami, became tense as Hamilton expressed irritation, reportedly telling Adami to 'leave me to it' amidst frustrations with car performance and strategic calls. Charles Leclerc, too, exhibited a sarcastic demeanor towards his engineer, Bryan Bozzi, during a discussion about a water leak, which led to further criticism of the team's overall attitude. Ralf Schumacher, a former driver, publicly addressed these issues and suggested that Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, should take action against both drivers. He advocated for a disciplinary approach, emphasizing that the entire team comprises individuals trying their best to assist the drivers, and any disregard for that teamwork is unacceptable. Schumacher highlighted that both drivers should have communicated their struggles more constructively rather than reacting negatively on the radio. After the race, Hamilton maintained a calm demeanor in his interviews, downplaying any perceived frustration and expressing confidence in his working relationship with Adami as one that could improve over time. Despite the adverse circumstances surrounding their first race, Hamilton stressed the importance of moving forward positively and maintaining morale within the Ferrari team. He contrasted his situation with that of other drivers in Formula One, suggesting that his radio exchanges were mild compared to more intense conversations happening among rival teams. Hamilton's resilient attitude in facing unexpected hurdles reveals a focus on fostering collaboration rather than conflict as the season progresses. Both Hamilton and Leclerc need to align their communication with Ferrari's operational strategies to optimize future performances, as they collectively navigate the challenges presented in competitive racing environments.