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In Maranello, it wasn’t just the engines crackling this week. Ferrari chairman John Elkann used the media as a stage to publicly rebuke his drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. They should talk less and perform more, he said. Shortly afterwards, Leclerc and Hamilton released a joint statement emphasising unity, team spirit and the importance of handling criticism internally. It was a rare spectacle in which the boardroom and the star drivers seemed to communicate through the outside world rather than directly. This analysis dissects the power lines inside today’s Ferrari and asks whether Elkann’s strategy sharpens the team or simply pours fuel on the fire.
Elkann’s Public Slap on the Wrist
A chairman commenting on performance is not unusual. But Elkann’s tone was strikingly sharp. By explicitly saying his drivers should complain less and deliver more, he shifted responsibility firmly into the cockpit. Given the recent results, retirements and a car that structurally trails McLaren, that message landed hard.
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Inside the garage, comments like this are felt immediately. Mechanics, engineers and strategists see that their work appears to escape scrutiny while the drivers take the public hit. For Leclerc, the face of the project for years, it feels like a breach of trust. For Hamilton, who left the safe framework of Mercedes for the dream of Ferrari, it is a dramatic clash with expectations.
The drivers’ joint statement was diplomatic but telling. They acknowledged the criticism, stressed that discussions happen internally and reiterated that the team comes first. Between the lines, it was a clear attempt to contain the damage and prevent the dressing room from fracturing in public.
Power Lines in Maranello, From Elkann to Vasseur
Ferrari is not a normal race team. The hierarchy runs from the chairman through the CEO to team principal Frédéric Vasseur and only then to the drivers. Elkann represents family legacy, Italian pride and the broader commercial interests of the brand. When he speaks, it is not only as a sporting figurehead but as the guardian of Ferrari’s identity.
Vasseur finds himself in a sensitive position. He must protect the sporting side, safeguard the drivers and at the same time align with the chairman’s expectations. When Elkann chooses a public forum to voice criticism, it creates the impression that internal harmony is fragile. Vasseur must then navigate upward loyalty and downward trust at the same time.
Historically, Ferrari has experienced both extremes. During the Schumacher era, president, team boss and driver presented a united front. During later periods with Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, criticism was more often played out through the media, contributing to tension and eventual collapse. Today’s situation appears closer to the latter than the former.
Hamilton’s Dream, Leclerc’s Loyalty and the Psychological Burden
For Hamilton, the situation is especially painful. He arrived in Maranello hoping to write a final chapter of glory, fulfil a lifelong dream and build something special. Instead, he found an inconsistent car, a string of disappointments and now a chairman publicly questioning his approach and output.
A seven-time world champion is not accustomed to being corrected in this manner by his boss. It affects not only his pride but also his sense of security within the project. How much room will he be given to adapt, make mistakes and grow into the team? If margins are small and every slip becomes public, the mental pressure becomes immense.
For Leclerc, the dynamic is different. He is the homegrown star, the driver Ferrari has built its future around for years. His loyalty to the team is real, but not limitless. Being criticised in the same breath as Hamilton, despite years of commitment, feels like an erosion of his status. Yet he does not want to fuel the unrest. The joint statement with Hamilton was also a protective move. Standing together is safer than standing alone when the chairman speaks from above.
Does Public Pressure Actually Work?
The key question is whether Elkann’s tactic will have any positive effect. In some cases, sharp public criticism can jolt a team awake. A statement everyone feels can heighten urgency and sharpen focus. But at a top team, the players are already painfully aware of their situation. Additional public pressure risks paralysis rather than liberation.
The outside world is already weighing in. Analysts, former drivers and commentators dissected the situation. Some described Elkann’s words as honest and necessary. Others called them counterproductive. In the paddock, the consensus is drifting toward the idea that Ferrari is struggling with internal communication. That perception affects potential hires, from engineers to future drivers.
Ferrari risks painting itself into a corner. If results improve, Elkann can claim his tough stance worked. If they do not, criticism will shift toward the chairman himself and Vasseur’s room to lead will shrink further.
Ferrari at a Crossroads Ahead of 2026
With the major 2026 regulation overhaul approaching, Ferrari cannot afford internal warfare. The next two years are crucial for engine, chassis and organisational development. To mount a genuine title challenge, the team must project unity both inside and out.
Elkann’s comments have temporarily jeopardised that unity. It is now up to Vasseur, Hamilton and Leclerc to show that they can weather the storm and emerge stronger. That requires open dialogue, clarity around roles and a shared vision for what Ferrari wants to be in the new era of Formula 1.
Whether the unrest in Maranello leads to a reborn team or a fresh cycle of departures and restructuring will become clear in the coming seasons. One thing is certain. With Elkann, Hamilton and Leclerc in the starring roles, the drama will be anything but dull.
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