F1 Today | Elkann muzzles Hamilton and Leclerc as Wolff praises Verstappen

Ferrari president John Elkann issued a blunt message to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following the team’s disastrous double retirement at Interlagos, where Ferrari lost ground to Mercedes in the battle for second in the Constructors’ standings.

Speaking at a Stellantis event in Italy, Elkann said he was “hugely disappointed” by the result, stressing that while the mechanics and engineers have improved the car, “our drivers need to focus on driving and talk less.”

Elkann reiterated his demand for unity within the Scuderia, emphasising that teamwork, not individual focus, was the key to success. He praised the progress made in pit stops and car development but noted that “many areas still need to get better.”

The Ferrari chief closed by urging his drivers to think “not of themselves, but of Ferrari,” insisting that when the team acts as one, “we win.”

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff paid tribute to Max Verstappen after the Dutchman’s charge from the pit lane to the podium in Brazil, saying it showed why he is a four-time world champion.

Wolff noted Red Bull’s decision to change the RB21's configuration and fit a fresh power unit, comparing the advantage to past Mercedes upgrades for Hamilton. “Never discount Max,” Wolff said. “Even if he starts from last, he finds a way through.”

Wolff also reflected on Verstappen’s consistency, calling his Brazilian drive one of his finest, even surpassing his wet-weather masterclass from the previous year.

Looking ahead, the Austrian hopes the title fight between Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Verstappen goes down to the wire, praising McLaren’s handling of its drivers. “From a spectator standpoint,” he said, “you want to see it go to the final race, ideally, with equal points.”

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