Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has criticized both Ferrari drivers for being excessively aggressive during team radio communications throughout the 2025 season. Ferrari has had a challenging year, failing to secure a single race win and marking their second winless season in six years—the previous being in 2020. Their car, the SF-25, has underperformed across all aspects, lacking any standout strengths.
Despite the arrival of Lewis Hamilton in the winter and strong results from the previous year raising hopes, Ferrari’s aggressive design choices for the car have not delivered, leaving them fourth in the constructors’ championship with three races left. This poor performance has sparked rumors about Hamilton potentially retiring early and Charles Leclerc possibly moving to Aston Martin in 2027.
After two retirements at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Ferrari chairman John Elkann advised the drivers to “not talk too much,” likely targeting Hamilton, who described driving for Ferrari as a “nightmare.” The struggling season has also led to tensions spilling over on team radios, with Hamilton and his race engineer Riccardo Adami’s communication remaining strained despite some improvement. Meanwhile, Leclerc, who has reached the podium seven times, has occasionally reacted strongly to repeated car problems.
In a Sky Germany podcast, Schumacher commented on the aggressive nature of Leclerc and Hamilton’s radio exchanges, which have reportedly caused concern among engineers at Maranello. He noted that while some abusive language from drivers is understandable, the level seen this season is excessive and should not be tolerated.
Fan Take: This revelation about Ferrari’s internal struggles highlights the intense pressures faced by top teams in Formula 1 and how it affects both driver performance and team dynamics. For racing fans, it’s a reminder that behind the glamour and speed, high-stakes emotions can heavily influence outcomes and the future of the sport’s biggest stars.
