Ferrari big boss Elkann to Hamilton and Leclerc: Shut up and drive

Hamilton’s race ended after contact and front wing damage, while Leclerc also failed to finish, leaving Ferrari fourth in the Constructors’ standings behind Mercedes and Red Bull.

Speaking at an Italian Olympic Committee event in Milan, Elkann called the Interlagos result “a big disappointment” but praised the team’s mechanics and engineers for their progress.

He said: “If we look at the season in F1, we can say we have mechanics who are winning the championship with the performances they’re putting in, particularly with everything they are doing in our pit stops. 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 more and talk less, because we still have important races to come, and finishing second in the constructors isn’t impossible," added the Ferrari big boss.

Elkann referenced Ferrari’s victory in the 2025 World Endurance Championship (WEC) in Bahrain, where the marque sealed its first title in 52 years, and its triumph at the 24 Hours of Le Mans earlier this year.

He said that success was “a wonderful demonstration of the fact that when Ferrari is united and pulling together, they can do great things.”

Hamilton, who joined Ferrari from Mercedes this season, has described his first year in red as “a nightmare,” having failed to score a single Grand Prix podium — the longest drought of his 18-year career. His only win came in the Chinese Sprint early in the season.

Despite the poor form, Elkann reiterated his “full confidence” in team principal Fred Vasseur, who signed a contract extension in July.

The Frenchman admitted the team had “missed the good opportunities” across the campaign as Ferrari fell behind McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull in performance.

With three rounds remaining, Ferrari sits fourth in the 2025 F1 Constructors’ Championship, 36 points adrift of Mercedes and four behind Red Bull.

Elkann’s comments suggest the president expects his star drivers to lead by example as the team seeks to salvage a difficult season.