Hamilton and Leclerc play down Elkann criticism as Ferrari tension grows
The atmosphere inside Ferrari has become a major talking point in the final phase of the 2025 Formula 1 season, especially after chairman John Elkann created shockwaves with remarks that urged the team’s drivers to “talk less” and “focus more”. In the wake of a bruising double retirement at the São Paulo Grand Prix, the comments were interpreted across the paddock as a public rebuke aimed directly at Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Despite the media storm, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc chose to cool things down when they met reporters ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The two Ferrari drivers made a conscious effort to reframe the situation, insisting that they understood what Elkann had intended with his message and emphasizing that internal unity remained more important than any external noise.
Elkann’s comments spark global reaction after Ferrari’s double DNF
Ferrari’s disastrous outing in Brazil — where both cars failed to reach the finish — dropped the Scuderia to fourth place in the Constructors’ standings, heightening pressure during what was already an underwhelming campaign. Just 24 hours later, John Elkann addressed the media at a public event in Italy, stating that certain areas of the team were “not up to the standard” and that the drivers needed to place a stronger emphasis on performance rather than communication.
The remarks dominated global F1 headlines for more than a week. By the time the championship arrived in Las Vegas, the narrative had become impossible for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to avoid. Reporters asked both drivers to clarify how they viewed Elkann’s statement and whether the perceived criticism had created friction inside the team.
Hamilton insists he understood Elkann’s ‘intention’ behind the remarks
Lewis Hamilton, who is enduring a challenging first season with Ferrari after leaving Mercedes, responded by explaining that he fully understood the reasoning behind John Elkann’s words. He told the media that he interpreted the chairman’s message as an expression of passion rather than a personal attack, revealing that he and John Elkann communicate several times each week. According to Hamilton, their recent conversations reinforced the idea that the entire Ferrari organisation is pushing together toward long-term progress.
Lewis Hamilton highlighted the emotional depth inside the Scuderia, saying the passion within Ferrari runs “incredibly deep”. He added that he would never blame anyone for exhibiting that passion — a sentiment he believes is part of what makes Ferrari unique. The Briton also stressed that the team remains united despite a season that has fallen short of expectations.
Leclerc says Elkann clarified his comments in private discussions
Charles Leclerc, now one of the longer-serving drivers within the Ferrari system, offered a similarly measured response. He explained that he is not very active on social media, but he still heard about the uproar surrounding the chairman’s comments shortly after they went public. According to the Monegasque driver, John Elkann contacted him — as he often does after each Grand Prix — to explain the intention behind the statement.
Charles Leclerc said John Elkann had described the message as constructive, designed to motivate rather than criticise. The Monegasque driver emphasized that his focus remains firmly on delivering performance on track and that he uses every message coming from the leadership as motivation to improve. He also reiterated that the team is capable of doing better and that encouragement from the chairman can be seen as part of that push.
Hamilton jokes about the idea of “focusing more” on driving
When asked whether he could genuinely concentrate more on driving than he already does, Lewis Hamilton responded humorously. He said he wakes up thinking about racing, falls asleep thinking about racing, and even catches himself thinking about racing while he sleeps — a humorous way to underline how intensely committed he is to the sport. His remark also suggested, with a smile, that he might actually need to switch off more, not less.
Inside Ferrari’s difficult 2025 campaign
Ferrari entered the season with high expectations after encouraging form at the end of 2024 and the monumental arrival of Lewis Hamilton. However, the 2025 campaign has evolved into one of the most challenging in recent memory. With three races remaining, the team sits fourth in the standings, trailing Mercedes by 36 points and Red Bull by four. A victory has yet to come, and podium finishes have been rare.
Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, is still without a podium for Ferrari — a statistic few would have predicted at the start of the year. The seven-time world champion has repeatedly acknowledged the need for collective responsibility, saying that every member of the team must play their part as the Scuderia begins the long process of rebuilding.
Hamilton describes Ferrari as united despite external pressure
Lewis Hamilton made it clear that he remains deeply grateful for the hard work coming from the factory and trackside teams. He pointed out that being part of Ferrari means operating under more intense global scrutiny than almost any other organisation in sport. According to Hamilton, not all of that attention is positive, but the team’s spirit and internal harmony remain strong despite the ups and downs.
Hamilton insisted that every challenge this season represents an opportunity to grow. He said he is committed to helping Ferrari rebuild both competitively and culturally, and he strongly believes that the team will eventually rise to the performance level it expects from itself.
Hamilton reflects on a season of resilience and personal growth
Lewis Hamilton later reflected on how mentally demanding the season has been. After retiring early in São Paulo, he described his year as a “nightmare”, but in Las Vegas he shared that he had surprised himself with his resilience. The seven-time champion explained that, while 2025 has been tough, it has also been filled with learning experiences that have strengthened him personally.”
He reiterated that he stands by his decision to join Ferrari and said he backs both himself and the team with complete confidence. Despite the lack of results, the Briton said he feels stronger than ever and fully determined to finish the final races of the season on a positive note. His belief in Ferrari’s long-term prospects, he said, has not wavered at any point.
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