Ferrari Chairman Slams Hamilton and Leclerc, Urges Drivers to “Talk Less and Focus” After São Paulo Disaster
Ferrari chairman John Elkann has issued a strong rebuke to his Formula 1 drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, following a calamitous weekend for the Scuderia at the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix. Elkann’s frustration was evident as he urged both drivers to “talk less” and “focus more on driving,” after both failed to finish in what turned out to be one of the team’s worst performances of the season.
The race at Interlagos was expected to be a redemption opportunity for Ferrari after a series of inconsistent results, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. Charles Leclerc’s race ended on just the sixth lap after a chaotic collision involving Kimi Antonelli and Oscar Piastri. Antonelli, squeezed into the first corner, made contact with Leclerc after being hit by Piastri, sending the Monegasque spinning out of contention. The incident not only destroyed Leclerc’s car but also his hopes of recovering valuable points for Ferrari’s push in the constructors’ standings.
For Hamilton, the Brazilian Grand Prix marked another frustrating chapter in his first season with Ferrari. The seven-time world champion started from 13th on the grid, hoping to capitalize on race pace and strategy to break into the top ten. However, his race ended prematurely after he collided with Franco Colapinto’s Alpine, damaging the floor of his SF-25 beyond repair. Despite attempting to continue, the performance loss was too severe, forcing Hamilton to retire mid-race.
The double retirement was a heavy blow to Ferrari’s campaign. The Maranello outfit fell to fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, now trailing Mercedes by 36 points. The result not only dampened the team’s morale but also highlighted the growing inconsistency between their promising qualifying performances and disappointing race-day results.
Speaking after the race weekend, Elkann’s comments, made during Ferrari’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) title celebrations in Bahrain, reflected his disappointment and determination to restore discipline within the Formula 1 team. While he praised the dedication and precision of Ferrari’s pit crew and engineers, he made it clear that the drivers must shoulder their share of the responsibility.
“Brazil was a huge disappointment,” Elkann told Sky Italy. “If we look at our Formula 1 championship, we can say that our mechanics are performing at a championship-winning level. Their work on pit stops and preparation has been exceptional all season. The same can be said about our engineers, who have worked tirelessly to improve the car’s performance and reliability.”
He continued with a sharper tone, emphasizing that the main issue now lies with the drivers’ focus and consistency. “If we look at the rest, it’s not up to par,” he said. “We certainly have talented drivers, but they need to concentrate more on driving and less on talking. We still have crucial races left in the season, and it’s not impossible to finish second in the Constructors’ Championship. For that to happen, we need unity and focus.”
Elkann’s statement comes amid rising scrutiny over Ferrari’s internal dynamics. While Hamilton’s arrival from Mercedes earlier this year was expected to bring experience and leadership, the Briton has endured a turbulent adaptation period. His frustration has occasionally spilled over in post-race interviews and team radio exchanges, especially following mechanical setbacks and strategic missteps.
Leclerc, on the other hand, has openly expressed concerns about Ferrari’s race execution and development direction. Despite his raw pace, the Monegasque has suffered a string of DNFs this season, many caused by factors beyond his control. Still, Elkann’s warning suggests the chairman wants both drivers to project calm and commitment publicly, rather than criticism or self-doubt.
Ferrari’s chairman contrasted the Formula 1 team’s struggles with the WEC squad’s triumph in Bahrain, where Ferrari claimed the championship title. He used that success as an example of what unity and focus can achieve under the iconic Prancing Horse banner. “In Bahrain, we won the WEC title. When Ferrari is united, we get results,” Elkann concluded.
The message was clear: Ferrari’s future in Formula 1 depends on harmony between its drivers, engineers, and management. As the 2025 season nears its final stretch, Hamilton and Leclerc face mounting pressure to translate Ferrari’s evident technical progress into results on track.
With upcoming races set to determine the final order in the Constructors’ standings, the challenge for Ferrari is not only technical but psychological. Elkann’s words may serve as both a wake-up call and a rallying cry — a reminder that at Ferrari, performance is not just about speed, but also about discipline, unity, and respect for the team’s legacy.
At a time when McLaren and Mercedes continue to tighten their grip on the front of the grid, Ferrari’s chairman is demanding not just results, but the mindset of champions — one that leaves no room for excuses, only execution.
