Jenson Button Criticizes Ferrari President's 'Talk Less' Driver Comments

Ferrari president John Elkann's recent remarks, calling for drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to "talk less" and for parts of the F1 team to be "up to par," have ignited a firestorm, with 2009 World Champion Jenson Button publicly suggesting Elkann "should lead by example." The comments, made after Ferrari's sportscar division secured a World Endurance Hypercar title, were reportedly intended as a motivational push following a disappointing F1 2025 season.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's internal dynamics and public image are under intense scrutiny following a challenging F1 season. A direct public critique from the president, particularly one singling out drivers and team members, risks alienating key personnel and further destabilizing a team desperate for a championship. Button's sharp retort highlights a common sentiment that leadership should inspire, not just criticize.

The details:

• Elkann's Statement: Following Ferrari's AF Corse squad winning the World Endurance Hypercar title in Bahrain, Elkann stated, "In Formula 1, we have mechanics who are always first in performing pit stops. The engineers work to improve the car. The rest is not up to par." He added, "We have drivers who need to focus on driving, talk less, and we have important races ahead of us, and it is not impossible to finish second."
• Context of Remarks: The comments came after a disappointing Brazilian Grand Prix, where neither Hamilton nor Leclerc finished. Internal sources suggest Elkann's intent was to motivate the team, emphasizing unity as demonstrated by their WEC success.
• Jenson Button's Response: Sharing Elkann's "focus on driving, talk less" comment on Instagram, Sky F1 pundit Jenson Button replied, "Maybe John should lead by example." This direct critique from a former world champion quickly gained significant traction and support on social media.
• Fan Reaction: Button's comment resonated strongly with fans, who largely agreed that Elkann's public criticism was unprofessional and counterproductive. Many called for the president to focus on improving the team rather than publicly admonishing its members.

The big picture:

Ferrari has not won a Constructors' Championship since 2008 and a Drivers' Championship since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007. The team's ongoing title drought and recent performance struggles have created an environment of high pressure. Public statements from leadership, especially those perceived as critical or divisive, can exacerbate existing tensions and further complicate the team's efforts to return to the top tier of Formula 1. The challenge for Ferrari is not just technical but also cultural, requiring cohesive leadership and a unified front.

What's next:

As the F1 2025 season concludes, Ferrari still has a chance to secure P2 in the Constructors' standings, a significant goal after falling to fourth behind Red Bull. The team's ability to rally after such public comments will be a test of their resilience and internal leadership. The focus will be on whether the team, including its drivers and leadership, can channel this pressure into performance, demonstrating a united front despite external and internal criticisms. All eyes will be on how the team responds in upcoming races and how these dynamics will influence their preparations for the next season.