Ferrari fans have ignited a major social media backlash following instructions from team president John Elkann for drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to concentrate solely on racing rather than voicing public concerns. The directive, issued during a recent Milan event, has sparked the viral #ElkannOUT campaign on X, which has already surpassed 60,000 engagements.
Supporters of the campaign argue that Ferrari’s leadership should prioritize transparency and accountability, especially as the team faces challenges in the 2025 season. Despite being a powerhouse in Formula 1, Ferrari currently sits third in the Constructors’ Championship, leaving fans frustrated with what they perceive as a lack of decisive management at the top.
The controversy has drawn commentary from prominent figures within the motorsport community. Former F1 team owner Giancarlo Minardi emphasized the importance of resolving internal issues constructively while maintaining strong support for drivers. Rally legend Alex Fiorio added that leadership must strike a balance between protecting its athletes and responding to the concerns of a passionate fan base.
For Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, the message from John Elkann comes at a crucial point in the season. With the final races in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi approaching, both drivers are under immense pressure to deliver results. Fans, however, have interpreted the directive as a suppression of transparency, arguing that the drivers’ perspectives could provide insight into ongoing technical and strategic challenges faced by the Scuderia.
This growing tension highlights the delicate relationship between Ferrari’s executive team and its global fan base. While John Elkann and team management aim to foster unity and focus on performance, supporters are demanding that accountability and open dialogue remain a priority, especially when the team’s competitive position is at stake.
The debate underscores that in Formula 1, managing a team extends far beyond the track—it involves handling the expectations of a devoted and vocal global fan community.
