Elkann points finger at Hamilton and Leclerc: “They should talk less and focus on driving”

Ferrari is living a tale of two seasons in 2025. On one side, the Italian powerhouse is basking in glory after clinching both the World Endurance Championship (WEC) constructors’ and drivers’ titles, capped off by a third consecutive win at Le Mans. On the other, its Formula 1 campaign is unraveling, with the team now sitting fourth in the constructors’ standings following a second consecutive pointless weekend—this time at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Ferrari fall short in Brazil

The race at Interlagos was a disaster: both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc retired early due to separate collisions, extending Ferrari’s winless streak in F1. The last victory came courtesy of Carlos Sainz in Mexico back in 2024, and the team hasn’t claimed a constructors’ title since 2008 or a drivers’ championship since Kimi Räikkönen in 2007.

Ferrari chairman John Elkann didn’t mince words after the race. Speaking at the Salone d’Onore del CONI, Elkann praised the mechanics and engineers for their work on pole positions and pit stops, but pointedly added: “The rest didn’t measure up.” According to multiple reports, including The Express and The Independent, Elkann’s comments were aimed squarely at the drivers.

“Focus on driving and talk less”

He continued: “[And] we definitely have drivers who need to focus on driving and talk less, because we still have important races ahead of us and getting second place (in the championship) is not impossible".

Elkann contrasted the F1 team’s struggles with the unity and success of Ferrari’s WEC squad, which he described as a model of cohesion and humility. “Ferrari wins when it’s united, as shown by the WEC results. We need drivers who think more about Ferrari and less about themselves,” he said, as reported by Corriere della Sera.

His tone was notably different just days earlier, when Ferrari sealed its WEC triumph. Elkann called the achievement “the realization of a dream”, celebrating the team’s journey since its return to top-tier endurance racing in 2022. “Winning Le Mans three times and securing two world titles is a testament to a team that worked as one, facing relentless challenges with humility and a drive to improve every day.”

With the F1 season nearing its end and internal tensions rising, Ferrari’s future may hinge on whether its star drivers can match the unity and discipline of their endurance racing counterparts.

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