Ferrari Chairman's Criticism Ignites Tensions with Drivers Hamilton and Leclerc

Ferrari Chairman John Elkann has publicly criticized star drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, urging them to "talk less" and focus on driving. This comes after both drivers openly expressed frustration with the team's performance following a double DNF at the São Paulo Grand Prix, labeling the season a "disaster" and "frustrating." Elkann's remarks, which also praised the mechanics and engineers, have fueled discontent within the team and drawn widespread criticism, particularly as Ferrari aims to secure second place in the constructors' championship and prepares for the crucial 2026 regulation changes.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's internal strife comes at a critical time. With the team fighting for second in the constructors' championship and looking ahead to significant regulation changes in 2026, unity and focus are paramount. Chairman Elkann's public rebuke of his star drivers risks fracturing team cohesion, potentially undermining their performance on track and hindering long-term championship aspirations.

The Details:

• Public Criticism: John Elkann, Ferrari Chairman, openly criticized Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, stating they should "focus on driving and talk less."
• Driver Frustration: Hamilton described the season as a "nightmare" and a "disaster," while Leclerc called the performance "frustrating" after a double DNF in São Paulo.
• Championship Standings: Ferrari is currently 36 points behind Mercedes for second place in the constructors' championship, with only three races remaining.
• Elkann's Perspective: While criticizing the drivers, Elkann praised the mechanics for "winning the championship with their pit stop performance" and noted car improvements, though acknowledging other aspects were "not up to par."
• Hypocrisy Allegations: Critics argue Elkann's heavy-handed comments contradict his call for unity and are hypocritical, especially given the team's support for team principal Fred Vasseur earlier in the year.
• Driver Responses: Both Hamilton and Leclerc responded on social media. Hamilton declared, "I back my team. I back myself. I will not give up. Not now, not then, not ever." Leclerc emphasized that "only unity can help us turn that situation around."

Between the lines:

Elkann's comments have been widely seen as counterproductive. Instead of deflecting scrutiny, his remarks have intensified it, drawing attention away from the team's performance issues and onto internal divisions. This public airing of grievances risks creating a "civil war" atmosphere at Maranello, a team historically prone to internal politics. Such distractions are precisely what Ferrari needs to avoid as it prepares for the critical 2026 regulations reset, which offers a fresh opportunity to return to championship contention after nearly two decades.

What's next:

The fallout from Elkann's statements is expected to be a major talking point as F1 heads to Las Vegas. Team principal Fred Vasseur will likely face tough questions on how he plans to manage the growing tensions. The challenge for Ferrari is to re-establish unity and focus quickly, preventing these internal conflicts from further derailing their current season objectives and their long-term vision for returning to the pinnacle of Formula 1.