The criticisms raised by President John Elkann towards Ferrari’s two drivers have stirred an unexpected media storm. Some believe that these words are primarily aimed at Lewis Hamilton, but what is the cause behind these accusations?
Technical issues and internal challenges
Throughout this season, several problems with the SF-25 have emerged. The Maranello project started off on the wrong foot, with expectations that were completely different. Naturally, as the races progressed, Lewis Hamilton learned how the Italian team operates and provided advice on areas that needed improvement. Numerous internal dossiers prepared by the seven-time world champion have been mentioned, particularly with a view to the 2026 car. Meanwhile, his on-track results continue to lag behind Charles Leclerc. However, it is also true that Lewis Hamilton was brought in primarily to bring a different mindset and influence internal team dynamics. After all, there are multiple reasons for Ferrari’s 18-year championship drought. Here are some insights from two authoritative Italian sources.
Elkann demands silence from Hamilton: a questionable choice
According to journalist Daniele Sparisci in Corriere della Sera, Lewis Hamilton is the main target of John Elkann’s criticisms. Sparisci writes: “Charles may have annoyed some with certain remarks, such as bringing up Kimi Antonelli regarding the contact, or other radio complaints, but Lewis is the recipient of the presidential message. The honeymoon was already over; now it feels like the story of a disaffection in a long-term relationship. Strongly wanted by John Elkann, the seven-time world champion was welcomed like royalty in Maranello. The Exor CEO is disappointed by his performance and certain behaviors. Never on the podium, Hamilton has issued a flood of statements, often excessive—from internal dossiers to criticisms of the FIA for penalties. In Brazil, he harshly criticized the stewards, calling them ‘a joke,’ after receiving a 5-second penalty for colliding with Colapinto—controversy that Ferrari has tried to avoid.”
Hamilton pushing the team forward
The reasoning of the Italian journalist makes sense. Lewis Hamilton is also trying to push the team to improve alongside Leclerc. The Monegasque, we recall, was reportedly criticized by some internal team members for complaining about the car’s lack of competitiveness. Yet it seems completely unreasonable to demand silence from one of the strongest driver pairings Ferrari has ever seen. Lewis Hamilton has given his all for the Scuderia and continues to do so, sacrificing his best years to bring a championship back to Maranello. It is unworthy to ask him to remain silent, and he has already made it clear that he will not give up. In 2025, he has undoubtedly been outperformed by his teammate, but Ferrari did not provide him with the championship-caliber car he was promised.
Resistance within the team
“It’s no secret that not all senior engineers have been happy with the words used, particularly by Lewis Hamilton this season, nor is it a secret that a certain group of long-standing engineers resist changing their methods based on advice from someone coming from outside. The same happened with Sebastian Vettel, who, unlike Schumacher, arrived from Red Bull without the proper support structure. Hamilton has already made it clear (in his own way) that he does not intend to be yet another victim, challenging the status quo and shaking things up. If Hamilton was strongly desired by Elkann—not so much for speed, since there’s Leclerc and Sainz, but for a major operation to bring mentality and disrupt certain dynamics—then why is he now being told he talks too much?”
The way forward for Ferrari
These are the considerations and insights shared by Giuliano Duchessa on AutoRacer.it. It has long been known that Lewis Hamilton has been pushing engineers to change their habits. Technicians have often resisted modifications, insisting on sticking to old working methods. If Ferrari wants to return to greatness, however, it must listen to advice from someone who has experienced years in winning teams. John Elkann must support the team and its drivers, as they are the first to want to return to victory. The President’s words only show a desire to assert authority publicly, which in fact only convinces the media and Tifosi of the lack of awareness of the super director.”
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