Leclerc Defends Elkann: « The Intention Was Positive » After Brazil Criticism
The fallout from the São Paulo Grand Prix left Scuderia Ferrari with plenty to analyze. While the Constructor’s title may be out of reach, the battle for the runner-up spot remains fierce. Following a challenging weekend at Interlagos which threatened their hold on second place, Ferrari Chairman John Elkann issued a pointed critique of the team—comments that some observers felt were directed specifically at the drivers.
However, rather than fueling a media firestorm, Charles Leclerc has stepped forward to diffuse the tension, praising the Chairman’s leadership style and the « honesty » behind the words.
The Context: The Fight for P2
Ferrari arrived in Brazil looking to consolidate their position as the second-best team on the grid for the 2025 season. However, the wet conditions at Interlagos exposed lingering weaknesses in the SF-25’s setup. The team struggled to generate tire temperature, leading to a result that allowed their closest rivals to close the gap in the standings.
It was in the wake of this performance dip that John Elkann reportedly expressed dissatisfaction, emphasizing that opportunities to seal the Vice-Champion spot were being squandered. The media quickly interpreted this as a critique of the driver pairing of Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, suggesting the pressure of holding onto P2 was weighing on Maranello.
Leclerc’s Response: Valuing Honesty Over Comfort
Addressing the media ahead of the final races of the 2025 season, Charles Leclerc was quick to clarify the situation. Far from feeling attacked, the Ferrari star insisted that Elkann’s intervention was both necessary and constructive to ensure they don’t slip to third.
« I think his words were translated or interpreted in a way that made them sound harsher than they were, » Leclerc explained. « But the reality is that the intention was positive.«
Leclerc highlighted that Elkann’s criticism stems from a desire to push the team to finish the season strong, rather than to assign blame maliciously.
- Constructive Pressure: Leclerc noted that complacency is dangerous, and securing second place is vital for the team’s momentum going into 2026.
- Shared Ambition: The drivers and upper management share the singular goal of maximizing the car’s potential in these final rounds.
The « Honesty » Factor
One of the key takeaways from Leclerc’s defense was his appreciation for Elkann’s direct approach. « I prefer honesty, » Leclerc stated. « When things aren’t going well, he tells us. And when they are going well, he tells us too. »
This alignment suggests a unified front within Ferrari. With Lewis Hamilton now fully integrated into the team alongside Leclerc, the dynamic at Maranello is under a microscope. Leclerc’s defense of Elkann suggests that despite the external noise, the internal culture remains focused on accountability.
Looking Ahead: Securing the Silver Medal
With the 2025 season entering its final stage, the unity between Ferrari’s cockpit and its boardroom is crucial. The comments from Elkann, and Leclerc’s mature handling of them, indicate a team that is determined not to let their hard work this season go to waste.
The message remains clear: The « positive intention » behind the criticism is to ensure Ferrari executes a clean finish to the year and secures second place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Sources
- Autosport – « Leclerc plays down Elkann criticism after Brazil »
- Formula1.com – Official Driver Interviews (2025 Season)
- Motorsport.com – Analysis of the Constructors’ Championship Battle