Tensions at Ferrari have escalated throughout the 2025 Formula 1 season, reaching a new peak after chairman John Elkann publicly criticised his drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. The Italian team has yet to secure a victory this year, with Charles Leclerc responsible for all seven of Ferrari’s podium finishes. Expectations were sky-high following their narrow defeat to McLaren in 2024 and the high-profile signing of Hamilton from Mercedes, but the campaign has quickly turned into a disappointing and tumultuous season for Maranello.
The Brazilian Grand Prix perfectly encapsulated Ferrari’s struggles, as the team suffered its second double retirement of the season. Charles Leclerc’s race ended prematurely after a collision involving Kimi Antonelli and Oscar Piastri, while Hamilton was forced to retire due to damage from a clash with Franco Colapinto. Unsurprisingly, both drivers were frustrated and demoralised following the race. Lewis Hamilton later admitted that he had been living a ‘nightmare’ for some time. In response, Ferrari chairman John Elkann publicly criticised the drivers during an Italian Olympic Committee event in Milan-Cortina ahead of the 2026 Winter Games, claiming they should “focus more and talk less.”
Elkann added that while the car had “undoubtedly improved” and the engineers were performing well, the rest of the team had fallen short of expectations. However, these comments have sparked controversy, as they appear to overlook the deeper systemic problems within Ferrari.
Why Fred Vasseur bears the responsibility for Ferrari’s 2025 struggles
It is increasingly clear that blaming Hamilton and Leclerc for Ferrari’s underperformance is misplaced. While both drivers have had moments of struggle—particularly Lewis Hamilton in his debut season with the SF-25—the root causes lie within the team’s management, specifically with team principal Fred Vasseur.
Ferrari has been plagued by persistent ride height issues with the SF-25 throughout the season, and the team has failed to address them effectively. Despite pressure from both drivers for aerodynamic solutions, Vasseur decided to implement a new rear suspension upgrade at Spa. This decision went against the drivers’ recommendations and has since contributed to inconsistent results, calling into question Elkann’s assertion that the car has “undoubtedly improved.”
Since the introduction of the rear suspension upgrade, Leclerc has secured only three podiums compared to four prior to Spa and has only finished in the top five on one other occasion. Lewis Hamilton’s performance has been even more disappointing, with just one top-five finish and three races without scoring points. Ferrari staff reportedly expressed frustration with Fred Vasseur over this upgrade, highlighting internal divisions and the consequences of leadership decisions.
Loic Serra and Matteo Togninalli also share responsibility
While Elkann renewed confidence in Vasseur with a contract extension in July, the Frenchman’s strategic choices this season warrant scrutiny. Other senior figures in the team, including technical director Loic Serra and trackside engineer Matteo Togninalli, also share accountability for Ferrari’s ongoing struggles.
Loic Serra has overseen the SF-25’s development, but the car has failed to improve significantly as the season progressed. Staff within Ferrari have expressed doubts about Serra’s ability to deliver meaningful upgrades, leaving him partially responsible for the team’s underwhelming performance.
Meanwhile, Matteo Togninalli has faced criticism for operational mistakes on the track and strategic missteps. Fans openly questioned his tyre decisions during Lewis Hamilton’s Q2 elimination in Sao Paulo. Additionally, Togninalli’s well-known temper has reportedly caused clashes within the team, including internal conflicts with Vasseur. These management and technical issues highlight that the challenges Ferrari faces are far broader than the drivers themselves.
Ferrari’s struggles in 2025 stem from leadership, technical misjudgements, and poor strategic execution rather than the efforts of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. While both drivers have faced challenges, it is the decisions of Fred Vasseur, Loic Serra, and Matteo Togninalli that have most significantly impacted Ferrari’s season. For the Italian side to recover and truly compete in the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships, attention must focus on these key figures rather than blaming the drivers who continue to battle against a flawed package.
