Ferrari Elkann Hamilton Leclerc Criticism
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Ferrari Chairman Urges Drivers Hamilton and Leclerc to Prioritize Performance
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Published November 10, 2025, at 19:07 PST
Key Developments
Ferrari Chairman John Elkann has publicly called on Formula 1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to concentrate on their driving and reduce extraneous commentary. This statement comes after a season where McLaren secured the Constructors’ Championship with six races to spare, beating Ferrari by a mere 14 points in the previous year. The financial implications of finishing higher in the Constructors’ Championship are significant, with each position worth approximately $10 million (£7.6 million) in prize money.
Constructors’ Championship and Financial Stakes
The Constructors’ Championship is crucial for Formula 1 teams, determining their share of prize money.The difference between positions at the top is ample. According to Formula Money, the financial distribution for the 2024 season (used as a proxy for current values) showed the top team receiving substantially more than those lower down the order. Formula Money details the prize fund distribution, highlighting the importance of consistent high performance.
| Position | Approximate Prize Money (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1st | $150 million+ |
| 2nd | $140 million+ |
| 3rd | $130 million+ |
| 4th | $120 million+ |
Driver Performance in the 2024 Season
Lewis Hamilton, despite winning the sprint race in China (the second race of the 2024 season) as reported by Formula 1, has yet to achieve a podium finish in a Grand Prix this season. charles Leclerc has secured seven podiums, with a best result of second place in both Monaco and Mexico. However, he experienced a setback at the Sao Paulo grand Prix, where a collision with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli ended his race prematurely. Autosport details the incident in Sao Paulo.
Elkann’s statement: Context and Implications
Elkann’s directness suggests growing frustration within Ferrari regarding the team’s overall performance and potentially, internal dynamics. While both Hamilton and Leclerc are highly regarded drivers, their inability to consistently deliver results has put pressure on the team. The call for less talk and more driving could be interpreted as a desire for greater focus and unity within the team.