Ferrari chairman John Elkann’s criticism of Lewis Hamilton may stem from Fred Vasseur call. Ferrari chairman John Elkann publicly criticized Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc after the Sao Paulo GP.

Fred Vasseur’s role may have triggered Ferrari chairman John Elkann’s criticism of Hamilton and Leclerc

Team principal Fred Vasseur is believed to have influenced Ferrari chairman John Elkann’s recent public criticism of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, as the Scuderia endured another difficult weekend in their 2025 Formula 1 campaign.

Elkann launched a pointed rebuke at both drivers on the Monday after the Brazilian Grand Prix, following Ferrari’s disappointing performance that saw the team fall from second to fourth in the F1 Constructors’ Championship with just six points scored in Sao Paulo. The result compounded Ferrari’s ongoing struggles, highlighting inconsistencies in both driver and team performance.

Ferrari’s challenges began during Sprint Qualifying, with Charles Leclerc managing only P8 and Hamilton failing to advance past SQ2 in P11. For the main race, the Monegasque improved to P3 on the grid, while Hamilton could only secure P13. The weekend’s woes were worsened by Ferrari suffering their second double DNF of the 2025 season, further intensifying scrutiny of both drivers and team management.

Vasseur’s post-race explanations may have fueled Elkann’s anger

Leclerc retired on Lap 6 of 71 after becoming an innocent victim of a Turn 1 collision between McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Hamilton was forced to retire on Lap 38 after his floor was critically damaged in a first-lap incident, which saw him rear-end Franco Colapinto while trying to recover positions. Lewis Hamilton had fallen behind Franco Colapinto after contact with Carlos Sainz of Williams, leaving his front wing lodged underneath the car and ruining the floor.

According to Top Speed, Elkann reportedly contacted Fred Vasseur after the race. During this call, the French manager is said to have provided explanations for the team’s poor showing and, in some accounts, may have partially placed blame on Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. John Elkann’s acceptance of Fred Vasseur’s justifications, similar to previous incidents where the chairman relied on the team principal’s assessments, appears to have sparked his unprecedented public criticism of the drivers.

Elkann’s message likely aimed more at Hamilton

John Elkann’s remarks, made at a Milan event for the 2026 Winter Olympics, suggested the drivers should focus more on racing and less on public commentary. He emphasized the need for drivers who prioritize Ferrari over themselves. While the post-race call with Vasseur likely contributed to his frustration, John Elkann’s comments also appear directed at Hamilton after the Briton described his experience at Ferrari as a “nightmare” following the Sao Paulo GP.

Lewis Hamilton’s struggles at Ferrari continue to draw attention. Now 21 races into his tenure with the Scuderia, having joined for the 2025 season, the seven-time world champion has yet to finish higher than P4 in any Grand Prix. His only highlight this season remains his F1 Sprint victory in China, underscoring the challenges he has faced in adapting to the team and car.

The combination of disappointing results, post-race commentary, and team dynamics appears to have created a perfect storm, prompting John Elkann’s unusually direct criticism. With Ferrari under pressure to deliver results and maintain their reputation as one of Formula 1’s most successful teams, the spotlight on both Vasseur and the drivers is set to intensify as the season progresses.