Jenson Button has shared his insights into Ferrari’s costly double DNF at the F1 São Paulo GP, the likelihood of them reclaiming second place in the Constructors’ standings, John Elkann’s rebuke of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, and what the drivers require to deliver better results.
Owing to their double retirement at Interlagos, the Italian team has now dropped 36 points behind Mercedes and 4 points behind Red Bull in the Constructors’ standings with just three rounds to go.
P2 still not out of reach for Ferrari
In a conversation with David Croft on The F1 Show podcast, Jenson Button shared his opinions on the misfortunes Ferrari encountered at the São Paulo GP and the prospect of them finishing second in the Constructors’ Championship.
Noting the massive swing of points that resulted in Ferrari dropping to fourth in one swoop, the 2009 Drivers’ World Champion surmised that the Maranello-based squad can still turn their fortune around with a couple of strong performances.
“It was in many ways [really costly], I think. Yes, it was a lot of points lost, a massive change in the points from second to fourth in the Constructors’. So, yeah, it hurts. But it’s still a long way to go.
“And it’s still close enough that they can, you know, if they have a couple of good results, they’re going to finish P2 in the Constructors’.”
Ferrari drivers can perform better if the atmosphere in the team is good
Jenson Button also underscored that Red Bull are relatively on the back foot, with Max Verstappen being their only reliable driver throughout the 2025 F1 season. Acknowledging how Mercedes boast two competitive drivers who are currently performing at a high level, he added that Ferrari have two remarkably skilled drivers who can make the difference.
However, highlighting the extensive experience the seven-time world champion brings to the table and Leclerc’s one-lap prowess, Button was quick to point out that the Ferrari drivers require a conducive internal environment to pull out all the stops.
“You know, they’re racing against one of their main rivals [who] pretty much only have one driver scoring points. So, I mean, you’d think it would be easy to beat Red Bull.
“Mercedes is a little different because both drivers are in really good form at the moment. It’s great to see Kimi [Antonelli] fighting for a great podium, great P2, and in the Sprint as well. So big points from them and both drivers, as I said, are on it, scoring points.
“So for Ferrari, they have unbelievably talented drivers. You know, these two drivers, Lewis [Hamilton], seven-time world champion and Charles [Leclerc], who’s been with Ferrari for so many years.
“And he [Leclerc] pushes the boundaries always. You know, we watch him in qualifying. He’s always like, ooh, ooh, ahh, but the laps he puts together, stunning.
“So, two of the best drivers in the world. And if they have a straightforward weekend with no incidents, I think they’ll pick up some good points as long as the atmosphere is good in the team, because that definitely makes a difference.”
Button believes Elkann’s approach was not right
Furthermore, Jenson Button weighed in on the disparaging remarks Ferrari chairman John Elkann had made about Hamilton and Leclerc in the aftermath of the disappointing F1 São Paulo GP.
Despite acknowledging the unique pressure Ferrari endure due to carrying an entire country’s expectations and a passionate and demanding national media, the Brit was critical of Elkann’s public outburst.
Referring to the documents of suggestions Hamilton has created and sent to the relevant departments, Button maintained that the Italian could’ve directly conversed with the 105-time race winner regarding how changes are discussed and implemented at Ferrari.
“Yeah, they’ve always had a lot of pressure on them to perform. Every F1 team does, but especially Ferrari. You’ve got the whole of Italy wanting Ferrari to win races.
“So there’s so much outside pressure and internally for the whole team. And that’s for everyone in that team. So I get it. There’s a lot of pressure.
“But I mean, John [Elkann] only has two cars in the red garage. It’s very easy to find your racing driver and go and talk to him and say, ‘you know what? That’s not cool. That’s not the way we do business; that’s not the way we work as a team. These are the guidelines’ or ‘let’s talk about why you need to do that. You know, why do you feel the need to be sending so and so this and that? I get it. You’re trying to help. But this is how it’s always been at Ferrari. And yes, we might be willing to change, but let’s talk it over.’”
Communication is key
Additionally, Jenson Button emphasised how effective communication among team members and heeding the feedback of the two experienced drivers can propel Ferrari forward and lead to the development of a car that’s capable of fighting for F1 titles.
“Communication is the best thing in anything, but especially in a team when you have thousands of people working to develop a car and you’ve got two drivers, two of the best in the world, just go and have a chat.
“They have a lot of experience as well of racing for the best teams in the sport.”
