Following another frustrating Formula 1 weekend in Brazil, Ferrari president John Elkann didn’t hold back. “Our mechanics are performing brilliantly, winning in the pits and with pole positions,” Elkann said, “and our engineers have made real progress. But the rest has been disappointing.”
The Ferrari chairman, who also leads Stellantis, directed his frustration toward drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. The British seven-time world champion, in his first year with Ferrari, described the race as “a nightmare.” Elkann’s message was blunt: “They should focus on driving and talk less. There are still a few races left — second place is not out of reach.”
Elkann defended team principal Frédéric Vasseur, crediting him for restoring discipline and direction. He also reminded fans of Ferrari’s triumph in the World Endurance Championship, where the team won both the constructors’ and drivers’ titles. “When Ferrari acts as one, we win,” he said.
The comments came after a difficult weekend that saw Mercedes overtake Ferrari in the constructors’ standings, while Red Bull — led by Max Verstappen — continued to dominate. For Elkann, being outpaced by Mercedes is “unacceptable,” particularly given Ferrari’s stronger driver lineup. With three races remaining — in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi — Elkann urged the team to pull together and take inspiration from their endurance racing success.