Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton address John Elkann's criticism, insisting that all involved want the very best for Ferrari.

In the aftermath of a dreadful weekend for the Maranello outfit in Brazil, which saw the Italian team slip to fourth in the standings, the Ferrari chairman praised almost everyone within the organisation except drivers, Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, urging them to talk less.

Both drivers reacted to his comments via social media, but, understandably, on arrival in Las Vegas Elkann's remark remained one of the hot topics.

"Obviously, John and I know each other since many, many years," Leclerc told reporters. "So we have a very good relationship, and obviously, we've been working together for many years, so, we know each other, and I know John is a very ambitious person and wants to push every people to the maximum In order to have the maximum results.

"He loves Ferrari, I love Ferrari, we all love Ferrari," he continued. "And we try to do the best in every situation.

"I didn't actually saw the news," he admitted, "but John called me before that, just like he does after every race, to catch up and to also tell me that the message he wanted to send was a positive one in saying, 'yeah, we need to do better' and that is clear for everyone.

"So, really, we are aligned," he insisted, "and I'll do absolutely everything in order to bring Ferrari back to the top. This I've always said in the past. And I've always tried my best.

"I'll try to do better and that really is the priority in the team and what we want to achieve."

"John and I, we speak every week," added Hamilton. "We have a great relationship, I didn't have a reaction to it. I don't really look into those things too much.

"I think there's great harmony within the team," he continued. "Even with all the ups and downs that we've been having. I think everyone is just focused on taking the learnings from this year to build on a better future.

"That encourages me every time I go and see everybody back at the factory," he added. "Of course there are areas we need to improve, just working on those, that's what we're working on."

Asked directly about Elkann's suggestion that both drivers should talk less, Hamilton joked that he welcomed the opportunity of carrying out less media duties.

"But no, seriously, look," he continued, "I think we all need to take responsibility in this team, and we all need to play our part. And I know that there's so much passion in this team, from every single member.

"I'm incredibly grateful for the extraordinary effort every single person back at the factory continues to put in, week on week. And naturally, knowing that the team is Ferrari, there's always a huge amount of attention, not always in a positive way. But we're all fully committed to turning this around, and I'm fully committed to helping this team rebuild and grow, and every challenge is an opportunity for us to grow and learn. I firmly believe that we will get to where we want to be."

Addressing the fact that other than the Sprint in China, he has yet to claim a podium with the team, the seven-time world champion said: "It's crazy to think a year has gone by. It's been an extraordinary experience, from the moment I arrived. I still pinch myself, honestly, that I'm in red, that I get to drive a Ferrari and get to represent so many of these amazing people that you don't get to see obviously back at the factory. I joined this team knowing full well that it takes time to steer a ship in a different direction.

"And you know, this is a huge thing, it's a huge organization. There's so many moving parts. You can't fix it in the click of a finger. It takes real time. Of course it's not been what any of us wanted in terms of a season, with the troubles that we've had and the results that we've had. We've just continued to push on, full steam."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Editor, 21/11/2025 15:52

"@ Kenji,

The fact is that people are totally aware of your stance, and so am I. What really grates is why you always feel the need to comment about him when it is always going to be negative... same with Lando Norris.

You've made your point, so why the need to make it over and over and over again.

And no, I am not being drawn into a discussion on this. This is my final word on the issue."

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2. Posted by kenji, 21/11/2025 14:26

"@ Ed. this is intriguing. I will reiterate...there is no agenda and there never has been. As this is an open forum for posters who share a love of F1 I find it extremely odd that people would decide to leave rather than ignore me simply because I frequently pose a different point of view. The fact is, Hamilton is a polarising character to many people and I happen to be one of them and for that I'm demonised. As an example his use of F1 as a personal political platform I found to be an abuse of position.There are many other reasons as well. When others post things that I don't agree with I either respond by way of debate or I just pass them by. At all times I studiously avoid getting personal and I also attempt to ensure that my language is temperate. Your site is extremely well run and I have enjoyed my time here immensely and I believe that over the years I've made some great on line friends and at the same time learned a lot from debate in all its forms. I hope to continue this and as I said earlier I will refrain from commenting on issues concerning No.44. There is more to F1 life...."

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3. Posted by Editor, 21/11/2025 9:53

"@ Kenji

It is not merely what I think. It is what a lot of people have complained to me about, indeed some now avoid the forum because of it.

You clearly don't like the guy, so why do you find the need to comment on every single story in which he is mentioned."

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4. Posted by kenji, 21/11/2025 7:29

"@Ed.....despite what you think, there is no agenda here. My comments may appear at times to be pointed but they are always relevant to events involving no.44./Ferrari. In future I will refrain from commenting on anything to do with Hamilton as it would seem as though it may disturb the equanimity of the site in general and that is not my intention and never has been."

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5. Posted by ffracer, 21/11/2025 4:02

"Sorry, but I love Kenji for this lolol. I personally think LH44 snubbed him at an Aussie GP autograph session... 19 cars could have careened into each other but, if Lewis Hamilton was collected while near the sharp end, it must have been his fault. Unbelievable. Having said that, I do believe that Lewis has idolized Ayrton Senna to the point that he is also capable of placing an "edge" of his car in a trajectory when he believes it's warranted and when necessary. I'll leave it at that.

Good for Ferrari to spin this to the good. All for unity, this team has produced a good car... when other teams have gotten a better handle of their assault weapons. Hopefully Ferrari can snag a well deserved win this year. "

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6. Posted by Editor, 21/11/2025 1:45

"For God's sake Kenji, give it a ******* rest.

We all know the agenda and we're sick of it."

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7. Posted by kenji, 21/11/2025 1:39

"Without apportioning the blame in any one particular segment the fact that Elkan felt the need to say what he did publically needs to be taken seriously. It's quite obvious that the car has limitations but so to do the drivers. Leclerc has been the better of the two and Hamilton has by any evaluation not matched the hype that existed. I can understand that Elkan who greenlit the Hamilton acquisition is somewhat embarrassed as massive amounts of $$$ have been expended and it's time pay the piper. Next season will be the decider and with the new regs a new base line will be established. A reset will be fascinating to observe...."

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8. Posted by Spindoctor, 20/11/2025 13:44

"Embarrassing from both drivers.
If Elkan & his otherwise wonderful Team can't produce a decent car soon he'll be looking for new drivers. The Ferrari name & history is losing its allure for the best drivers & journeymen hopefuls in both seats will further devalue the brand...."

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"We are aligned," insists Leclerc

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