Ferrari Chairman Delivers Unprecedented Public Rebuke
Ferrari chairman John Elkann has sparked controversy across the motorsport world after delivering scathing criticism of star drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following their disappointing double retirement at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The 49-year-old Italian-American executive pulled no punches when addressing the media at a Winter Olympics event, stating that both drivers need to “focus on driving and talk less” as Ferrari battles to salvage their championship position.
Brazil Disaster Triggers Leadership Crisis
The Sao Paulo weekend proved catastrophic for the Scuderia, with both drivers failing to finish the main race after being caught in separate incidents. Leclerc’s race ended early when contact from Kimi Antonelli tore off his front-left wheel following Oscar Piastri’s aggressive Turn 1 maneuver. Meanwhile, Hamilton nursed floor damage for 38 laps after early contact with Franco Colapinto before retiring from the race.
The disastrous result dropped Ferrari from second to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, leaving them 36 points behind Mercedes and four behind Red Bull with only three rounds remaining.
Elkann Questions Driver Commitment
Speaking candidly at the Milan-Cortina event, Elkann praised Ferrari’s mechanics and engineers but suggested the drivers were falling short, stating: “We have a lot of things that need to improve. For sure our drivers need to focus on Ferrari and not on themselves”.
The chairman drew pointed comparisons to Ferrari’s World Endurance Championship success, declaring: “When Ferrari is united, you get results” — an implicit criticism suggesting the F1 team lacks cohesion.
Hamilton’s Nightmare Season Continues
Hamilton’s highly anticipated move to Ferrari has proven challenging, with the seven-time world champion yet to reach the podium and trailing Leclerc 16-5 in qualifying battles. Technical limitations have forced both drivers to lift and coast due to plank wear concerns, preventing them from extracting maximum performance.
The British superstar has remained diplomatic despite his struggles, previously describing the season as a “nightmare” while consistently deflecting blame from the team.
Drivers Respond With Unity Message
Hours after Elkann’s comments surfaced, both drivers took to social media emphasizing team unity. Hamilton declared: “I back my team. I back myself. I will not give up. Not now, not then, not ever”.
Leclerc echoed the sentiment, stating: “It’s clear that only unity can help us turn that situation around in the last 3 races” — a subtle yet firm rebuttal to the chairman’s divisive remarks.
F1 Community Questions Elkann’s Approach
Former world champion Jenson Button has weighed in on the controversy, sending a firm response to Elkann’s public criticism of the drivers. Social media erupted with fans and pundits questioning whether attacking the drivers during Ferrari’s most vulnerable moment serves the team’s interests.
The timing appears particularly questionable given Leclerc’s seven podium finishes despite machinery limitations, and Hamilton’s documented efforts working behind the scenes to improve the car’s development direction.
Championship Hopes Hang in Balance
With three race weekends remaining in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, Ferrari faces an uphill battle to salvage second place in the constructors’ standings. The Maranello outfit trails Mercedes by 36 points after managing just six points from a possible 58 in Brazil.
Whether Elkann’s controversial intervention will unite or further fragment the team remains the crucial question as Ferrari desperately seeks to end their title drought that has lasted since 2008.
