Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc arrived in Las Vegas under intense scrutiny after Ferrari chairman John Elkann publicly urged the team to “talk less” following the disastrous double retirement in Brazil. As the Formula 1 paddock turned its attention to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the pair finally offered a unified and calculated response — one that clearly reflected the guidance of Ferrari’s communications department.
In the immediate aftermath of Elkann’s remarks, both drivers took to social media with messages that hinted at internal tension but also stressed unity. Lewis Hamilton emphasised that he fully supported the team and himself, while Charles Leclerc highlighted the importance of staying united during difficult moments. Those posts set the tone for a media day where every word would be analysed through the lens of Ferrari’s turbulent season.
When the questions inevitably came, Lewis Hamilton adopted a diplomatic stance, explaining that he did not interpret Elkann’s comment in a negative way. He reiterated that he speaks regularly with the Ferrari chairman and respects the passion that drives the leadership at Maranello. Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, positioned John Elkann’s criticism as constructive, stressing that the intention was to motivate the team at a crucial stage of the campaign.
These remarks arrived at a time when Ferrari continue to struggle for form, still without a win this season and having slipped to fourth place in the constructors’ standings. The challenges on track are one thing — but the messaging off track is clearly being managed with equal precision.
Ferrari’s PR team instructed the drivers to project calm and unity
According to reports from Auto Motor und Sport, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were extensively briefed by Ferrari’s public relations staff before facing the media in Las Vegas. While such preparation is standard procedure in Formula 1, the situation demanded extra care. The team reportedly made it clear that the drivers needed to avoid adding fuel to the controversy and instead present a composed and united front.
The internal directive was simple: minimise drama and project stability. With this in mind, the measured tone of the pair’s media sessions takes on a different light, raising questions about how much of what was said reflected their own thoughts versus the strategic messaging of Ferrari’s communications team.
Behind the scenes, Ferrari had already been attempting to soften the fallout from John Elkann’s remarks. Team sources had been briefing that the chairman’s comments were meant to energise and challenge the organisation — a sentiment that Charles Leclerc reiterated when speaking to journalists.
Meanwhile, several figures in the wider motorsport community have openly defended the drivers. Former Formula 1 race winner Juan Pablo Montoya suggested that anyone observing Ferrari’s season should recognise that the car, not the drivers, is the problem — arguing that only “a couple of brain cells” would be needed to see it.
David Croft believes Hamilton’s internal push for change may have created friction
Lewis Hamilton’s first months at Maranello have brought him face to face with a completely different working culture. After spending his entire Formula 1 career in British-based teams, he now finds himself at the heart of an organisation deeply rooted in Italian tradition, national identity, and long-established methods.
Determined to help modernise the team, Lewis Hamilton has reportedly offered extensive feedback on Ferrari’s operations. However, his attempts to instigate meaningful change have not always been met with enthusiasm. Despite being the most successful driver in the history of the sport, Lewis Hamilton is now adapting to a team that maintains its own distinct philosophy and approach.
One particular moment of tension is said to have occurred when Lewis Hamilton submitted a detailed audit of the team’s processes, which inadvertently caused frustration within certain departments. According to Sky Sports commentator David Croft, the recommendations he made “haven’t gone down well,” contributing to a sense of resistance inside the camp.
Lewis Hamilton continues his search for a maiden podium in red and the dynamic between the seven-time Formula 1 world champion and Ferrari’s internal structure remains one of the most fascinating storylines of the season — a blend of ambition, tradition, and the immense pressure that comes with driving for the Scuderia.
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