Lewis Hamilton Downplays Ferrari Chairman's 'Talk Less' Comments

Lewis Hamilton has downplayed recent comments from Ferrari chairman John Elkann, who appeared to criticize the team's drivers following a disappointing Brazilian Grand Prix weekend. Elkann's remarks, made after Ferrari's double retirement in Sao Paulo, suggested drivers should "focus on driving and talk less," amid a winless season and a slip to fourth in the Constructors' standings.

Why it matters:

Elkann's rare public criticism points to underlying pressure within Ferrari, a team accustomed to championship contention but currently struggling for consistent performance. Such comments could impact team morale, especially as they face a tight battle for second in the Constructors' standings. Hamilton's measured response aims to unify the team and redirect focus towards collective improvement, which is crucial for Ferrari's future success and his impending arrival.

The details:

• Elkann's Criticism: Following a double DNF in Brazil, Ferrari chairman John Elkann publicly stated, "If we look at our engineers, there's no doubt that the car has improved. If we look at the rest, it's not up to par. We certainly have drivers, for whom it's important that they focus on driving and talk less."
• Context: These comments came after a race where Ferrari slipped from second to fourth in the Constructors' standings, now just four points behind Red Bull Racing, and far off McLaren, amidst a winless season for the Scuderia.
• Hamilton's Response: Speaking in Las Vegas, Hamilton initially joked, "I'm always willing to do less media!" but then adopted a more serious tone, emphasizing collective responsibility and passion within the team. He stated, "I think we all need to take responsibility in this team and we all need to play our part... I'm incredibly grateful for the extraordinary effort every single person back at the factory continues to put in week on week."
• Focus on Rebuilding: Hamilton underscored his commitment to helping Ferrari "rebuild and grow," viewing every challenge as an opportunity. He expressed continued inspiration from visits to the factory, noting "great harmony within the team, even with all the ups and downs."
• Morale and Future: Despite the setbacks, Hamilton assured the media that morale at the factory remains strong, with everyone focused on learning from the current year to build a better future. He acknowledged areas for improvement that the team is actively working on.

The big picture:

Ferrari's chairman rarely makes public statements, especially critical ones. This indicates significant frustration at the highest levels of the company. With Lewis Hamilton joining in 2025, how the team navigates internal pressure and external criticism will be critical. Hamilton's early comments, even before his official move, suggest a leadership role in stabilizing the team's morale and fostering a forward-looking perspective.

What's next:

Ferrari will be looking for a strong performance in the upcoming races to reclaim second in the Constructors' standings. The team's ability to unite and overcome current challenges will be a key indicator of its readiness for future championship bids, especially with a seven-time world champion like Hamilton joining their ranks. Resolving the current issues will be paramount to ensure a smoother transition and a more competitive future.