Ferrari chief John Elkann accused of slapping Lewis Hamilton down for the reason why he was signed

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Anthony Davidson finds it “strange” that John Elkann launched a public attack aimed at Lewis Hamilton, as his outburst was sparked by the reason why Ferrari signed him.

The 40-year-old moved to Maranello for the 2025 F1 season and his 19th year on the grid in search of a return to the front of the field. Hamilton agreed to sign for Ferrari in February of last year, having endured the first winless years of his career with Mercedes in 2022 and ‘23.

While Hamilton went on to end his 945-day win drought with the Silver Arrows at the British Grand Prix last year, the 2024 campaign still saw the Briton achieve his worst result in the F1 drivers’ championship. He finished last season just seventh in the standings with 223 points.

Yet moving to Ferrari has to date not yielded success, with Hamilton still to take a Grand Prix podium let alone a win in red. The seven-time F1 champion is also just sixth in the standings with 148 points ahead of the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix in round 22 of this term’s 24 events.

Anthony Davidson questions John Elkann for attacking Lewis Hamilton over voicing his issues with Ferrari

Last time out, Hamilton admitted he is living a “nightmare” at Ferrari after retiring from the Sao Paulo Grand Prix due to the damage he suffered from crashing into Franco Colapinto of Alpine on Lap 1. And his admission preceded a surprise attack from Ferrari chairman Elkann.

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family

Elkann told Ferrari’s drivers to “focus on driving” and “talk less” whilst speaking at an event for the 2026 Winter Olympics. While his comments were also aimed at Charles Leclerc, it is widely believed that Elkann was largely speaking to Hamilton after voicing regular concerns.

But Davidson finds it “strange” that Elkann would now take issue with Hamilton sharing the issues that he has seen at Ferrari. The ex-BAR racer believes that is why the Scuderia signed the record 105-time F1 Grand Prix winner and 104-time polesitter, only to chastise him for it.

Davidson said on Sky Sports F1 (22/11, 03:45): “This is why they employed Lewis Hamilton, to bring that knowledge and experience, and to make the team deliver better performances in the future.

“He’s feeling and he’s spotting all of the downsides this year, and that’s part and parcel of it. That’s what they bought into with Lewis, and then you slap him down because he’s being vocal. It’s a strange one, for me.”

Lewis Hamilton has told Ferrari where they are failing compared to Mercedes

Hamilton has given Ferrari documents citing the changes he wants to see the Scuderia make to return the pride of Italy to the top of F1. The 40-year-old has compared Ferrari’s methods and car to what he experienced at Mercedes since arriving in Maranello at the start of 2025.

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton’s seven best Mercedes drives before joining Ferrari in 2025

Ferrari last won the F1 constructors’ championship in 2008 for their 16th title to date. Kimi Raikkonen even remains the most recent Ferrari star to win the drivers’ title from when he denied Hamilton by a single point back in 2007 for the Scuderia’s 15th championship so far.

Hamilton went on to win the 2008 title with McLaren, before dominating F1 with Mercedes after moving to Brackley in 2013. He won the drivers’ title for the Silver Arrows in 2014, ‘15, ‘17, ‘18, ‘19 and ‘20, and Nico Rosberg won the title in ‘16 with Mercedes before he retired.

Yet Hamilton has endlessly struggled to adapt to Ferrari and their car since joining the pride of Italy in 2025 for his first adventure with a Formula 1 team not based in England. Hamilton suggested Ferrari “need to change driver” when he qualified P12 for the Hungarian GP, too.