Tension Rises at Ferrari: Schumacher’s Former Engineer Slams John Elkann

Ferrari has found itself at the center of criticism during the 2025 Formula 1 season, not only due to its on-track struggles but also because of growing internal tensions. Public complaints from Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc about the car’s shortcomings have drawn significant attention, prompting a firm response from Ferrari Chairman John Elkann and fueling further controversy.

Elkann’s remarks, urging the drivers to “talk less and focus more on driving,” did not go unnoticed. Luigi Mazzola, a former Ferrari engineer who worked closely with Michael Schumacher during the team’s golden era, has now entered the debate with sharp criticism aimed at the Ferrari president.

According to Mazzola, internal problems should never be aired in public, especially within a team as historically significant as Ferrari. He stressed that such issues belong behind closed doors, stating, “Dirty laundry should be washed at home. When you make statements like this in public, it becomes a political move. Often, these kinds of comments are made to prepare the ground for future actions.”

Mazzola went even further by questioning Elkann’s understanding of Formula 1 itself. In a striking comparison, he remarked, “Elkann’s knowledge of Formula 1 is about the same as my knowledge of economics — almost nonexistent.” From his perspective, this was hardly the right moment for Ferrari’s leadership to engage in public criticism of drivers. Instead, Mazzola argued, the focus should have been on highlighting the company’s other successes achieved throughout the year.

The exchange underscores deeper issues at Ferrari, suggesting that the team is facing not just technical challenges but also a broader communication and leadership dilemma. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how this internal friction impacts Ferrari’s performance on the track.