Lewis Hamilton told to ‘talk less’ as Max Verstappen warned F1 title hopes are over
Ferrari chairman John Elkann has publicly criticized his star drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, following a disastrous outing at the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix, urging both men to “talk less” and “focus more” on their driving as the team’s season continues to unravel.
Ferrari endured a nightmare weekend at Interlagos, where both drivers were forced to retire early in the race. Leclerc was eliminated on the opening lap following contact at the first corner, while Hamilton, still adapting to life at Ferrari after his dramatic switch from Mercedes, retired later with mechanical issues. The double retirement marked one of Ferrari’s lowest points of the season, effectively ending their hopes of challenging McLaren and Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship.
Speaking after the race, Elkann didn’t hold back in his criticism. “We have two of the most talented drivers in Formula 1,” he said. “But talent alone is not enough. They must talk less and focus more on delivering results for the team. Ferrari needs discipline, unity, and performance, not distractions.”
His comments appeared to be directed in part at Hamilton, who has been vocal in recent weeks about Ferrari’s struggles with reliability and race strategy. The seven-time world champion had also questioned some of the team’s decision-making during qualifying and pit stops, remarks that reportedly did not sit well with the Ferrari leadership.
Meanwhile, Leclerc, who has often expressed frustration over Ferrari’s lack of consistency and race pace, has seen his once-promising season fall apart due to a combination of poor luck, retirements, and strategic blunders.
Elkann’s words have sparked speculation that Ferrari’s internal atmosphere may be growing tense as the season nears its end. Some insiders suggest that Elkann’s message is an attempt to reassert authority and remind both drivers of the need for collective effort over personal expression.
While Ferrari continues to grapple with its internal issues, the fallout from the Brazilian Grand Prix extended beyond Maranello. Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, has been told by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff that his hopes of equalling the all-time record for five consecutive world titles are effectively over.
Despite delivering an incredible performance in São Paulo—where he fought his way from a pit lane start to finish on the podium—Verstappen still trails Lando Norris in the championship standings by a significant margin. With only a few races remaining, Wolff suggested that Verstappen’s title chances have slipped away for good.
“The ship has sailed,” Wolff told reporters when asked about Verstappen’s title hopes. “You can’t take anything away from his performance—starting from the pit lane and finishing on the podium is extraordinary. But mathematically and realistically, the title is beyond reach now.”
The Austrian added that Verstappen’s situation reflects how competitive the grid has become. “This season has shown that dominance in Formula 1 is never permanent. McLaren, Ferrari, and even Mercedes at times have all had the pace to challenge. Max is still an exceptional driver, but sometimes even the best have to accept when a championship fight is lost.”
Verstappen’s result in Brazil, however, was a reminder of his relentless determination. Starting from the pit lane after Red Bull opted to make major setup changes before the race, the Dutchman carved through the field in spectacular fashion, overtaking cars with precision and aggression. His drive earned praise across the paddock, with even Wolff acknowledging it as one of the best performances of the season.
As the Formula 1 season approaches its conclusion, both Ferrari and Red Bull find themselves facing difficult realities—Ferrari must confront its internal discord and underperformance, while Verstappen must come to terms with the end of his record-chasing ambitions.
For Hamilton and Leclerc, Elkann’s warning serves as a clear message that Ferrari’s patience is wearing thin. The Scuderia’s leadership expects less talk, fewer excuses, and a renewed focus on results. Meanwhile, for Verstappen, Wolff’s words mark the closing of one chapter and the challenge of beginning another—one where he must rebuild and prepare to fight back in 2026.
