Hamilton and Ferrari in Crisis: Engineers Rebel as Elkann Silences the Seven-Time Champion
What once promised to be one of Formula 1’s most captivating partnerships is now showing signs of strain. Barely a year into Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated move to Ferrari, tensions are reportedly building inside Maranello. The seven-time world champion, who joined the Scuderia with hopes of restoring it to championship glory, is said to be clashing with both the engineering department and Ferrari president John Elkann over the team’s internal structure and working culture.
According to sources close to the Italian outfit, Hamilton has been advocating for a more modern and efficient operational model — one that mirrors the culture of his former team, Mercedes. However, these efforts to introduce procedural reforms have not been well-received by all corners of the Ferrari factory. Many of the engineers, proud of Ferrari’s traditional methods, have resisted the push for change, seeing it as an intrusion rather than an evolution.
The situation reached a boiling point following Ferrari’s disastrous double retirement at the Brazilian Grand Prix. With both cars out of contention, the frustration within the team was palpable. But what caught everyone’s attention was John Elkann’s sharp and calculated response. In a statement that echoed through the paddock, the Ferrari president called for “fewer words and more results” from his drivers — a comment that many insiders interpreted as a thinly veiled criticism of Hamilton.
Leclerc, after all, had performed admirably that weekend, only to be eliminated in the first-corner chaos through no fault of his own. Hamilton, meanwhile, struggled in qualifying and was involved in an avoidable collision with Franco Colapinto, which further dented his weekend. For many, Elkann’s words were a direct warning to the British superstar: enough talk, deliver results.
Growing Discontent in Maranello
Behind the scenes, the relationship between Hamilton and the Ferrari hierarchy appears to be fraying. Reports from the Gestione Sportiva headquarters suggest that Hamilton’s outspoken attitude and public criticism of the car’s performance have ruffled feathers among senior engineers.
According to motorsport journalist Giuliano Duchessa, Hamilton has been pressing for a “cultural shift” within Ferrari — advocating for more transparency, collaborative decision-making, and data-driven analysis similar to what he experienced at Mercedes. His approach, while ambitious, has been perceived by some within Maranello as disrespectful to the team’s established methods and heritage.
Hamilton’s stance is rooted in his determination not to become another failed superstar in Ferrari red — a fate that befell both Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel. He has reportedly made it clear that the only path to success lies in bold transformation, not mere adaptation. However, the combination of underwhelming results on track and his critical tone off it has made his position increasingly uncomfortable.
Elkann’s Subtle but Firm Rebuttal
In recent interviews, John Elkann has doubled down on his support for team principal Frédéric Vasseur and Ferrari’s technical staff. Without mentioning Hamilton directly, Elkann praised the engineers and mechanics for their commitment and progress, emphasizing that Ferrari’s road to recovery depends on collective effort, not individual ambition.
His comments underscored a clear message: unity and discipline come first. The president’s tone suggested that he expects his star driver to align with the team’s existing structure rather than attempt to overhaul it. Elkann’s firm stance appears to have strengthened the position of the engineering department, signaling that Ferrari’s leadership will not tolerate internal divisions at a time when the team is laying the groundwork for the 2026 regulation changes.
Vasseur, who has worked tirelessly to stabilize Ferrari after years of inconsistency, reportedly shares Elkann’s sentiment. Under his management, Ferrari has improved its reliability, pit stop execution, and race strategy — even if the car’s fundamental weaknesses remain visible. To the leadership, Hamilton’s constant criticism risks destabilizing the steady progress made so far.
The Battle for Control
What unfolds next could determine not only Ferrari’s short-term performance but also the power dynamics within the team. On one side stands Hamilton, driven by a desire to modernize Ferrari and replicate the winning philosophy that made him one of the greatest drivers in F1 history. On the other stands Elkann and his loyal engineering corps, defending Ferrari’s traditions and demanding respect for their methods.
Ferrari’s leadership believes that success will only come through unity, not confrontation. Elkann’s “less talk, more results” philosophy has become the unofficial motto for the team heading into the final races of the season. Yet, Hamilton’s persistence suggests that he will not simply fall in line without seeing meaningful change.
As Ferrari prepares for the 2026 era — a new chapter with revised power units and aerodynamic regulations — the team cannot afford internal turmoil. Whether Hamilton adapts to Ferrari’s culture or Ferrari evolves under his influence will define the future of this partnership. For now, the once-celebrated union between Hamilton and Ferrari stands at a crossroads — a clash between tradition and transformation that could reshape Maranello’s destiny.
