Ferrari chairman John Elkann delivered an unusually direct message to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following the team’s double retirement at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The result dropped Ferrari from second to fourth in the constructors’ standings, adding pressure to a season that has produced no wins after twenty one races. Speaking at an event linked to the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Elkann said the outcome in Brazil was a major disappointment and stressed that the drivers must raise their standard of execution.
Elkann acknowledged the progress made by Ferrari’s mechanics and engineers, noting that pit work and car development have improved across the season. He stated that the operational side of the team is performing at a level capable of fighting for a championship. His criticism focused on what he described as shortcomings outside those areas. He said the drivers need to concentrate more and reduce off track commentary, adding that a strong push is still required because a return to second place in the constructors’ standings remains possible.
Ferrari’s SF 25 has struggled with structural issues this year. A compromised wheelbase forced the team to run the car higher than intended, which limited performance and made the handling inconsistent across different circuits. Despite updates, the fundamental weaknesses have remained. This inconsistency has prevented Ferrari from matching the pace of McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes on a regular basis.
Elkann’s remarks were also framed against the backdrop of Ferrari’s success in the World Endurance Championship. The sports car division secured both the WEC title and a Le Mans victory this season. Elkann referenced these achievements as evidence of what the company can accomplish when there is full alignment between departments. His comments implied that the Formula 1 programme has not reached the same level of unity. It remains unclear whether his remarks were aimed specifically at the drivers or at broader team dynamics.
Ferrari GT division chief Antonello Coletta and Chairman John Elkann, Maranello, Italy, December 20, 2021Both Hamilton and Leclerc are enduring difficult seasons. Leclerc has demonstrated strong qualifying form but has been unable to convert grid positions into results due to the car’s inconsistencies. He has voiced concerns about the direction of development for the 2026 project. Hamilton, whose arrival at Ferrari was among Elkann’s most significant decisions, has struggled to find form after his early sprint win in China. His retirement in Sao Paulo followed a collision with Franco Colapinto, continuing a run of results that has not matched expectations.
Elkann’s comments send a clear message as Ferrari approaches the final races. The chairman expects a higher level of performance and greater focus from the drivers while the team works to address long term weaknesses. The coming rounds will show whether Ferrari can stabilise results and recover lost ground in the standings.
