Ferrari chairman John Elkann made headlines by publicly advising Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to “talk less” following the team’s double retirement at the Brazilian Grand Prix. The disappointing result dropped Ferrari to fourth place in the 2025 Formula 1 constructors’ standings, raising questions about both driver focus and team performance under pressure.
Elkann emphasized that Ferrari’s technical and pit crews have performed exceptionally well this season. He highlighted the team’s consistent pit-stop excellence and the ongoing improvements in car performance. However, he suggested that the two drivers need to concentrate more on their on-track performance rather than media commentary.
According to sources, John Elkann believes that while the engineers and mechanics have delivered measurable gains, particularly in terms of lap time improvements and race strategy, the drivers’ mental approach has not always matched the team’s technical achievements. He indicated that Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton should focus on driving and limit their public statements to improve overall team cohesion and results.
Charles Leclerc has been the standout performer for Ferrari in 2025, scoring all seven of the team’s podium finishes and consistently extracting maximum performance from the SF-25, despite its known limitations. Lewis Hamilton, in his first season with Ferrari, has faced challenges adapting to the car, which often requires drivers to lift and coast to avoid excessive plank wear penalties, further complicating his race performances.
Elkann draws controversial WEC comparison
After addressing his concerns about the F1 drivers, John Elkann pointed to Ferrari’s success in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), where the team recently secured the Hypercar title by outperforming rivals such as Toyota and Porsche. He suggested that this achievement illustrates the power of a united team, implying that similar cohesion is needed in Formula 1.
Elkann’s comments, reported via Italian daily newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, framed the WEC victory as a model for F1 success: when Ferrari operates as a cohesive unit, it can achieve world championships. However, critics argue that the comparison is flawed. The WEC operates under Balance of Performance regulations that adjust power and weight to equalize competition, a system fundamentally different from F1. Therefore, the triumph of Ferrari’s WEC program, overseen by Antonello Coletta, cannot be directly equated with Formula 1 performance, even though both programs share the iconic Ferrari badge.
Was Elkann targeting Leclerc?
F1 journalist Edd Straw suggested that John Elkann’s statements could be interpreted as a pointed critique of Charles Leclerc, who has been more vocal in the media compared to Lewis Hamilton. The remarks follow observations by Jacques Villeneuve that the Briton may already be focusing on the 2026 season, despite sharing frustrations over the SF-25’s shortcomings. Elkann’s intervention in the media may have been deliberate, signaling his expectations and dissatisfaction to both drivers.
Looking ahead to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, both Leclerc and Hamilton are expected to respond to these comments, alongside team principal Fred Vasseur. The upcoming weekend will be crucial not only for performance on track but also for addressing the tensions highlighted by Ferrari’s chairman. Elkann’s public message underscores the delicate balance between driver feedback, team unity, and the pressure of competing at the highest level of motorsport.
The situation raises questions about Ferrari’s management approach and communication strategy, with implications for driver morale, team focus, and championship ambitions heading into the final races of the 2025 season.
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