Button and Kravitz Slam Ferrari Chairman Elkann's Driver Criticism

Ferrari chairman John Elkann's recent, unusually harsh comments targeting Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have sparked significant backlash, with 2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button and Sky F1's Ted Kravitz delivering pointed responses.

Elkann's remarks followed Ferrari's disastrous double DNF at the São Paulo Grand Prix, which saw the team slip to fourth in the constructors' championship, 36 points behind Mercedes and four adrift of Red Bull with only three races left.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's chairman publicly criticizing his star drivers, especially after a challenging race, signals potential internal discord and raises questions about team leadership's approach to accountability. This public condemnation could impact team morale and driver confidence, crucial elements for a team striving to return to championship contention.

The details:

• Speaking in Rome, Elkann lauded Ferrari's 2025 WEC championship-winning team for its unity and success, contrasting it sharply with the F1 squad.
• He stated, "Looking at the Formula 1 championship, we can say that we have our mechanics, who are basically winning the championship with their performance and everything that has been done on the pitstops. Our engineers have undoubtedly improved the car... But when it comes to the rest, it is still not up to par. And surely we have drivers who need to focus on driving and talk less."
• Driver Response: Both Hamilton and Leclerc posted defiant social media messages, projecting unity and commitment to Ferrari's cause, implicitly countering Elkann's remarks.
• Button's Rebuke: Jenson Button responded to Sky Sports F1's Instagram post of Elkann's quote with a terse, "Maybe John should lead by example," implying leadership accountability.
• Kravitz's Defense: Ted Kravitz passionately defended Leclerc and Hamilton on The F1 Show, highlighting their role in securing points and the car's fundamental flaws.
  • He emphasized that the drivers "were just plugging in the points" and that the car had a "fundamental flaw... that the Belgium upgrade was not able to correct."
  • Kravitz questioned the timing and appropriateness of Elkann's public criticism, suggesting it might have been an emotional reaction to the double DNF.

Between the lines:

Elkann's comments, particularly his praise for the WEC team's unity while criticizing the F1 drivers, highlight a potential disconnect within the Ferrari hierarchy. The immediate, unified pushback from the drivers and respected F1 pundits like Button and Kravitz indicates a sentiment within the paddock that the criticism was misplaced. Many see the drivers as having performed admirably despite the car's shortcomings. This public spat could create an unhelpful distraction as Ferrari attempts to consolidate its position and plan for future seasons.

What's next:

The fallout from Elkann's comments may linger, potentially affecting team dynamics as the season concludes. It remains to be seen whether Elkann will retract or clarify his statements, or if this marks a new, more confrontational era in Ferrari's public relations strategy. The focus will now shift to how the team and drivers perform under increased scrutiny and whether this public critique ultimately motivates or demotivates the squad ahead of critical development periods for upcoming seasons.