Ferrari turmoil deepens as John Elkann criticizes Leclerc and Hamilton amid 2025 struggles
Ferrari are once again facing internal tension during the 2025 Formula 1 season after chairman John Elkann made headlines by suggesting that Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton should focus on driving and “talk less.” The remarks have sparked fresh speculation about the future of Ferrari’s star drivers and the stability of the Scuderia.
The 2025 campaign has been a disappointing one for Ferrari, with the Maranello-based team still yet to secure a Grand Prix victory. Charles Leclerc has managed seven podium finishes, carrying the majority of the team’s points, while Lewis Hamilton has struggled to reach the rostrum, leaving the seven-time world champion without a single race podium after 21 rounds with Ferrari.
The only notable highlight for Hamilton came during the second round in China, where he claimed the F1 Sprint from pole position. Leclerc, meanwhile, delivered Ferrari’s sole Grand Prix pole this season in Hungary during round 14. Despite these individual successes, the team’s inconsistencies have overshadowed both drivers’ efforts.
The situation came to a head after Ferrari suffered a double DNF in São Paulo, marking the team’s second such setback this season. Following the race, Ferrari slipped from second to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, amplifying pressure on both drivers and the team management.
John Elkann’s remarks spark debate and Leclerc’s next move
John Elkann’s comments followed Lewis Hamilton describing his tenure at Ferrari as a “nightmare” after retiring in São Paulo due to damage from a collision with Franco Colapinto. Charles Leclerc, caught up in a separate incident involving Oscar Piastri and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, emerged unscathed but still found himself indirectly criticized by the chairman’s sweeping statement.
Ralf Schumacher has suggested that the Monegasque should confront John Elkann to understand the reasoning behind the remarks, while also ensuring his management secures a contingency plan. Schumacher told Sky Germany that if he were in Charles Leclerc’s position, he would seek clarity from the top while simultaneously preparing a “Plan B” for his career, highlighting the importance of professional foresight in high-pressure situations.
Schumacher added that Leclerc has consistently performed at an exceptional level, maximizing both his own potential and the team’s capabilities. He noted that Charles Leclerc’s dedication, professionalism, and personal stability make him a perfect fit for Ferrari, and that the young driver should ensure his career options remain open in case the team environment becomes untenable.
Potential exit routes for Leclerc
Speculation about Leclerc’s future has been fueled further by reports linking him to Aston Martin, who may be seeking a replacement for Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll in 2027. These developments may have influenced Elkann’s critical statements, intensifying rumors about the Monegasque driver’s potential departure.
Charles Leclerc’s manager, Nicolas Todt, is understood to have already explored options with Red Bull and other teams for 2027, ensuring the driver has a clear path should he decide to leave Ferrari. Even though the Monegasque signed a £20m-a-year contract extension in January 2024 running through 2029, the agreement reportedly includes release clauses that could allow him to exit as early as 2026, potentially even if he wins the F1 Drivers’ Championship next season.
As Ferrari prepares for the sweeping 2026 F1 technical regulations, John Elkann and the team management face the challenge of maintaining driver focus and morale. While Charles Leclerc continues to shoulder the bulk of Ferrari’s points this season, the ongoing tension and off-track speculation underline the precarious balance between leadership, driver performance, and career management at one of Formula 1’s most high-profile teams.
Ferrari must focus on resolving internal conflicts and delivering results on track, or risk losing one of their brightest talents before the 2026 season even begins.
Leave a Reply