Both Hamilton and Leclerc have presented a united front, reaffirming their commitment to Ferrari in separate social media posts, but Elkann’s comments have promoted wider discourse in the F1 community.

Italian media defend Hamilton

Hamilton and Leclerc have found support from a wide range of individuals from F1 fans to Sky Sports pundits Jenson Button, Ted Kravitz and Karun Chandhok.

Now, the Italian media also jumped to both drivers’ defence with publication La Gazzetta dello Sport, slamming Ferrari for failing to win a championship.

They wrote: “The truth is that this harsh outburst against Leclerc and Hamilton is inexplicable, given that Ferrari hasn’t won the drivers’ title since 2007 and the constructors’ title since 2008.”

Alongside La Gazzetta, Italian publication Corriere della Sera also supported Hamilton and Leclerc, particularly in regards to how they have dealt with their disappointment in 2025 when speaking to the media.

“F1 drivers are international stars. Exposed men. To risk, to judgment,” Corriere wrote.

“They are called upon to communicate constantly: to the media, sponsors, organizers. They step out of their cars after extreme stress and find themselves faced with notebooks and microphones. They speak of necessity.

“Even when they remain silent, when they can’t pretend. They do everything they can not to express their true feelings during a season like this, stingy with gratification.”