Ferrari chairman John Elkann’s public criticism of drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc has been widely deemed “embarrassing” and “unnecessary.” Following two costly retirements for Ferrari at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, which dropped the team to fourth in the constructors’ championship with just three races left, Elkann told Hamilton and Leclerc to “focus on driving and not talk too much.”
Elkann’s remarks made headlines and ignited a contentious debate about the internal atmosphere at Ferrari amid a disappointing 2025 season. Former F1 driver Anthony Davidson suggested that the matter should have been handled privately rather than publicly. He called Elkann’s comments an awkward and unnecessary “public slap on the wrist” and expressed surprise that such criticism wasn’t dealt with behind closed doors.
The criticism came after Hamilton described his first season with Ferrari as a “nightmare” following his retirement in Brazil. Davidson felt that Elkann’s comments were a direct response to the drivers’ public frustrations and said the situation should have been managed internally, emphasizing that airing such issues in public only fuels unnecessary drama.
When asked if Elkann’s remarks were a rant or a reprimand, Davidson suggested it was a form of a public warning, possibly a reaction to Hamilton’s and others’ candid comments about the season. However, he reiterated that this confrontation was better suited for private discussions.
In response, both Hamilton and Leclerc downplayed the controversy during the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend. Hamilton acknowledged understanding Elkann’s good intentions and highlighted ongoing team communication focused on unity and improvement. Leclerc revealed that Elkann had personally reached out post-race to discuss the comments, emphasizing the chairman’s constructive intent to motivate the team. He affirmed his commitment to concentrating on his performance and using the criticism as fuel to push for better results.
Fan Take: This episode underscores the intense pressure and scrutiny top teams face when success is elusive. For racing fans, it highlights how off-track dynamics can influence on-track performance and may impact Ferrari’s approach to leadership and communication moving forward in the sport.
