Ferrari feud explodes as chairman John Elkann clashes with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc amid drivers' call for unity

Ferrari has been thrown into chaos after a clash between chairman John Elkann and the team’s star drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, broke out in public. Following a disastrous double DNF at the São Paulo Grand Prix, tensions have boiled over within the iconic Formula 1 team.

Elkann’s frustration over Ferrari’s lack of results reached a breaking point on Sunday, leading to strong criticism directed at his own drivers. What began as a major disappointment over another failed race has now turned into one of Ferrari’s biggest internal disputes in years.In a statement, Elkann praised Ferrari’s hardworking mechanics and engineers but made it clear he was unhappy with “the rest.” His remarks after the São Paulo Grand Prix 2025 shocked the Formula 1 fans and experts alike.

Furthermore, he specifically told the legendary driver Lewis Hamilton and the team’s stalwart Charles Leclerc “to focus on driving and talk less.” The comments sparked a storm of reactions across the F1 world, raising questions about leadership and unity within the Ferrari team.

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc call for unity amid Ferrari’s dropping rankings

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc wasted no time in responding to their chairman’s harsh words. The seven-time world champion took to social media to defend his team and express determination.

“I back my team. I back myself. I will not give up. Not now, not then, not ever!” he wrote. His message was seen as a call for solidarity during this difficult phase for Ferrari.Meanwhile, Leclerc, who was caught up in an early race crash involving Oscar Piastri and Kimi Antonelli, also urged for unity in the team. In his usual post-race Instagram post, he wrote, “It’s uphill from now, and it’s clear that only unity can help us turn that situation around in the last three races.

We’ll give it [our] all, as always.”Former F1 champion Jenson Button also joined the discussion. He posted on Instagram, saying, “Maybe John should lead by example.” His comment reflected the growing belief that John Elkann’s public criticism might have deepened divisions instead of solving problems.As Ferrari slips to fourth in the constructors’ standings, the pressure on them is immense. Whether Elkann’s tough words will motivate the team and or push it further apart remains to be seen as the drivers gear up for the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Sunday, November 23. Also Read: Charles Leclerc net worth in 2025: F1 salary, contract details, endorsements, engagement, and more