Tensions are flaring in the Ferrari F1 camp as former Formula 1 driver, Ralf Schumacher, calls out Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc for their “stroppy” radio commentary during the Australian Grand Prix. Schumacher, a seasoned veteran and brother to the Ferrari icon, Michael Schumacher, feels that the pair’s conduct in Melbourne was far from acceptable.
In a challenging start to the 2025 F1 season, both Leclerc and Hamilton found themselves grappling with difficult conditions, resulting in underwhelming eighth and tenth-place finishes. Italian media reports suggest that Ferrari had to deal with a severely compromised setup in Australia after realizing that the SF-25’s ride height was too low after Leclerc’s promising performance in the Friday practice. This setback, as it turns out, did not allow for a fair representation of the car’s true capabilities.
Hamilton, an experienced driver and newcomer to the Ferrari team, was overheard on the radio rejecting guidance from his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami, a veteran who had previously worked with stalwarts like Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz. Hamilton later referred to this experience as a “crash course” in navigating a Ferrari F1 car under wet conditions.
Leclerc, on the other hand, responded sarcastically to a comment made by his race engineer, Bryan Bozzi. This reaction led Schumacher to assert that both drivers crossed a line with their radio remarks. He implored the team principal, Fred Vasseur, to exert a firmer hand on the racers, both of whom he had worked with during their junior careers before their reunion at Ferrari.
Schumacher remarked on a German-language show, Backstage in the Pit Lane, “If I were the team principal now, I’d call them both into my office and give them a rap on the knuckles. It’s unacceptable. The entire team is committed to assisting the drivers, and if they are being difficult, it’s simply not on.”
Schumacher’s criticism follows another verbal lashing from Christian Danner, another former F1 driver, who lambasted Bozzi’s “disgraceful” response to Leclerc’s concerns about water in the cockpit. Danner, a racer with 46 F1 starts under his belt, was incensed by Bozzi’s dismissive response to Leclerc’s issue, calling the engineer’s reply “completely out of place.”
Post-race, Hamilton commended Adami for his efforts during their first race together, stating, “Riccardo did a really good job. We’re learning about each other bit by bit.” The British racer further mentioned that he prefers minimal communication during the race, only asking for information when necessary. He concluded, “But he did his best today.”
These unfolding events within the Ferrari team have shed light on the high-pressure environment of Formula 1 racing. The commentary from Schumacher and Danner underscores the need for respect and communication within the team. As the season progresses, fans and critics alike will be keenly watching how the dynamics within the Ferrari team evolve.
