Hamilton and Leclerc Respond After Ferrari Chairman's 'Talk Less' Remarks
Following Ferrari chairman John Elkann's call for drivers to "talk less and focus on driving," Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have publicly reaffirmed their commitment and emphasized team unity. The drivers' responses come after Ferrari's disappointing double DNF in Sao Paulo, which saw them drop to fourth in the Constructors' Championship, intensifying pressure to perform in the final races of the 2025 season and avoid their first winless year since 2021.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have issued rallying cries, emphasizing commitment and unity at Ferrari, following remarks from chairman John Elkann. Elkann suggested drivers should "focus on driving and talk less" to help the team finish the 2025 season strongly.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's recent drop from second to fourth in the Constructors' Championship after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix has put the team under immense pressure. Elkann's direct comments highlight a perceived need for increased focus and unity, especially as Ferrari aims to secure a strong finish and avoid their first winless season since 2021. Driver morale and team cohesion are critical in turning the tide during this crucial period.
The Details:
- Chairman's Remarks: John Elkann, Ferrari's chairman, praised the team's mechanics and engineers in an interview, also referencing their World Endurance Championship success as proof that "when Ferrari is united, you get results." He then urged drivers to "focus on driving and talk less."
- Leclerc's Response: Charles Leclerc was the first to post, echoing Elkann's sentiment on unity. He described the Sao Paulo weekend as "very difficult" and "disappointing," emphasizing that "only unity can help us turn that situation around in the last three races."
- Hamilton's Response: Lewis Hamilton, who retired from the Sao Paulo race, described his season as a "nightmare." On Instagram, he wrote, "I back my team. I back myself. I will not give up. Not now, not then, not ever," signaling his unwavering commitment despite the challenges.
- Sao Paulo Incidents: Ferrari suffered their second double DNF of the season in Interlagos. Leclerc was knocked out on lap six after contact between Oscar Piastri and Kimi Antonelli led to Antonelli's Mercedes hitting his Ferrari. Hamilton retired due to damage sustained from tagging Franco Colapinto's Alpine on the first lap.
- Championship Impact: The no-score in Brazil caused Ferrari to slip 36 points behind Mercedes and six points behind Red Bull in the battle for second place in the Constructors' Championship with only three race weekends remaining.
The Big Picture:
Ferrari's performance this season marks a significant downturn from last year, when they finished just 14 points behind champions McLaren. They are now in danger of recording their first winless year since 2021, a concerning prospect for a team that has rarely finished outside the top three in the last three decades. The pressure is mounting to deliver results in the remaining races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
What's next:
The team faces a challenging end to the season, with the Las Vegas Grand Prix next on the calendar. The public statements from both drivers and the chairman underscore the high stakes and the urgent need for a cohesive effort to salvage their position in the Constructors' Championship and avoid a winless year. All eyes will be on how Ferrari responds on track in the upcoming races.