The 2025 season has been a difficult one for Hamilton, and tensions at Scuderia Ferrari have boiled over following a disastrous weekend at the Brazil Grand Prix, seeing both drivers DNF. Ferrari chairman John Elkann broke cover with a blunt rebuke of Hamilton and Leclerc this in return prompted a pointed reaction from the seven-time world champion. The exchange raises questions about culture, expectations and the internal dynamics at one of Formula 1’s most storied teams.
Elkann’s Criticism
On Monday after the Brazilian GP, Elkann spoke at an Italian Olympic Committee event in Milan and publicly criticised the team’s drivers, particularly Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. He said:
“If we look at the championship, we can say that the mechanics are winning it… if we look at our engineers, the car has undoubtedly improved. If we look at the rest, it’s not up to standard. We have drivers who need to focus on driving and talk less.”
He also referenced the double retirement at Brazil, the team’s drop to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship and the stagnant win-less season as further justification for his comments.
Hamilton’s Reaction
Hamilton responded swiftly, via social media and later in the press:
“I back my team. I back myself. I will not give up. Not now, not then, not ever. Thank you, Brazil, always.”
In press comments he avoided direct confrontation, instead choosing to emphasise his loyalty to Ferrari’s staff and his commitment despite the difficulties. He said:
“It’s a shame because I love Brazil, and everyone in this team. Every single person in this team turns up every week and gives it their absolute best.”
These remarks reflect a mix of defiance and solidarity: Hamilton refuses to be seen as the problem, but also expresses frustration with the situation.
What It Reveals About the Team Dynamics
The public nature of Elkann’s remarks is unusual in Formula 1, where internal criticism tends to stay behind closed doors. His decision to speak out suggests a deeper dissatisfaction at the top of the team he praised engineers and mechanics whilst singling out the drivers as the problem.
Hamilton and Leclerc both posted statements focusing on unity, evidence of how they feel the critique was not just personal but symbolic of a fractured relationship.
This will either a wake-up call or a sign of deteriorating team culture.
Context for Hamilton’s Season
Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari has been anything but smooth. A string of poor results, reliability issues and mistakes have left him without a win and behind his teammate in the standings. His comment after Brazil that the season had been a “nightmare” highlighted the internal frustration.
In this context, Elkann’s criticism lands hard. It adds external pressure at a moment when internal morale needs to be high. Hamilton’s statement shows that he feels the pressure but intends to carry on driving rather than engage in finger-pointing.
The Implications
For Ferrari:
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The message is clear: results must improve swiftly.
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The drivers are expected to align with team goals, not just personal ambitions.
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The dynamic between Hamilton and Leclerc may come under further scrutiny.
For Hamilton:
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He stands by his team publicly, preserving unity.
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He avoids taking the criticism personally yet acknowledges the disappointing season.
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He signals intention to persist regardless of the storm around him.
Final Thoughts
Hamilton’s response to Elkann’s criticism is a blend of humility, resolve and subtle challenge. He refuses to be written off, maintains loyalty to Ferrari’s workforce and emphasises that the situation is tough but not hopeless. Meanwhile, Elkann’s public rebuke marks an unusual shift in Ferrari’s internal communications, one that indicates impatience, ambition and the sharp edges of performance culture in F1.
If Ferrari is to recover this season, the response from Hamilton and the team will matter. His words show he is ready to fight, for himself, for the team and for his legacy in red.
