The 2025 Formula 1 season has been turbulent for Ferrari, as Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton continue to struggle with performance issues. Ferrari chairman John Elkann’s recent public comments have intensified scrutiny, sparking speculation about internal friction within the Scuderia.
With just three races remaining and no wins all season, Ferrari’s campaign has been underwhelming. Lewis Hamilton has yet to reach the podium in the first 21 Grands Prix of 2025. The team had ambitions to secure second place in the Constructors’ Championship, but a disastrous weekend in São Paulo saw them slip to fourth. Charles Leclerc was forced to retire following a collision with Oscar Piastri and Kimi Antonelli after a safety car restart, while Lewis Hamilton suffered front-wing and floor damage after an early collision with Franco Colapinto. The seven-time world champion retired on lap 40, marking yet another disappointing race weekend for the team.
In the aftermath, John Elkann publicly urged his drivers to focus more on driving and less on criticism, after hearing their complaints regarding Ferrari’s 2025 car performance. His comments, interpreted by many as scathing, have fueled speculation about tension within the Maranello outfit, even as the team has tried to downplay any perceived conflict.
F1 fans react: Ferrari accused of social media damage control
Ferrari’s recent social media activity, including videos showing Lewis Hamilton interacting with his engineers and team members at Maranello, was clearly intended to demonstrate unity and calm tensions following Elkann’s remarks. However, many F1 fans were not convinced.
On X (formerly Twitter), fans accused Ferrari of being in “damage control” mode. One fan commented that the team’s posts were “insane” attempts to manage perception, while another questioned whether the team was genuinely listening to Hamilton or merely putting on a PR display. Other posts criticized Ferrari for ignoring the feedback of their most accomplished driver, pointing out that Lewis Hamilton’s seven world championships and over 100 race wins deserved more respect.
Some fans even called for Elkann’s removal, citing his public criticism of the drivers as damaging to team morale. Comments highlighted that heavily edited social media videos would not offset the negative impact of the chairman’s “shut up and drive” message, emphasizing that real change in results and team attitude was necessary.
What triggered John Elkann’s comments?
Speculation suggests that Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, may have influenced Elkann’s remarks after the Brazilian Grand Prix. It is thought that Fred Vasseur may have blamed the drivers for Ferrari’s poor performance, which contributed to Elkann publicly criticizing both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
Ralf Schumacher has suggested that Elkann was frustrated with Leclerc due to rumors linking the Monegasque driver to Aston Martin, as the young driver reportedly explores options for 2027 amid frustration over Ferrari’s ongoing lack of competitiveness.
Internal friction and the challenge ahead
Despite Ferrari’s public messaging, the tension within the team is evident. While the Scuderia claims that Elkann’s comments were meant to motivate the squad, many see the statement as counterproductive. With the 2026 F1 regulations approaching, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will be eager for improvements in both car performance and team culture. If Ferrari fails to adapt its approach and address internal friction, the situation could deteriorate further.
For now, F1 fans remain highly engaged, closely watching every social media update and public comment. The Scuderia’s path forward will require clear communication, respect for their drivers’ feedback, and measurable on-track progress to regain credibility and success in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1.
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