Ferrari Under Fire: Elkann’s Harsh Words Spark Controversy Amid Team Turmoil!
In a dramatic turn of events, Ferrari finds itself amidst a storm of criticism following President John Elkann’s blistering remarks that have sent shockwaves through the motorsport community. Former Aston Martin and McLaren strategist Bernie Collins has raised an eyebrow, questioning the effectiveness of Elkann’s statements: “What has that gained for Ferrari?”
As tensions rise, Collins reflects on a notorious saying from the Formula 1 garage: “The beatings will continue until morale improves.” This phrase underscores the current atmosphere within the Scuderia as they grapple with mounting pressures and disappointing performances.
The recent Sao Paulo Grand Prix was nothing short of a disaster for Ferrari, with driver Charles Leclerc becoming an unwitting casualty in a chaotic clash between Oscar Piastri and Kimi Antonelli, resulting in his immediate elimination. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton faced his own struggles, suffering significant floor damage after colliding with Franco Colapinto’s Alpine, ultimately leading to his retirement. The aftermath? A dismal double DNF (Did Not Finish) for Ferrari, propelling them down to fourth place in the Constructors’ standings.
Elkann, seemingly unfazed by the disappointment, delivered a stark message at a Milan event, expressing his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance in Brazil. “Brazil was a huge disappointment,” he stated bluntly. “In Formula 1, we have mechanics who are always first in performing pit stops. The engineers work to improve the car. The rest is not up to par.” His comments have been interpreted as a call for unity and focus among the team, emphasizing the need for drivers to concentrate solely on their racing rather than engage in off-track chatter.
Collins, appearing on Sky’s ‘The F1 Show’ podcast, didn’t hold back as she dissected the implications of Elkann’s words. “Drivers, F1 drivers in particular, are fundamentally selfish people,” she asserted, arguing that the focus on individual performance can sometimes overshadow team objectives. Yet, she defended both Leclerc and Hamilton, insisting that their intentions aligned with the team’s goals during a challenging season.
Ferrari hasn’t tasted championship glory since clinching the Constructors’ Championship in 2008, and Collins highlighted that both Leclerc and Hamilton are relatively new to the team, raising questions about the root causes of the ongoing drought. “There’s something else, fundamentally, when you look at the investment Ferrari put in and what they’re getting out in terms of championship points, as a team, as a constructor,” she noted, hinting at deeper issues within the organization.
Team Principal Fred Vasseur is reportedly making changes, albeit gradually, but Collins emphasized that the drivers remain committed to maximizing their points. “I can’t believe that they’re such at loggerheads within the team that they’re not pushing the team or the engineering forward,” she said, suggesting a disconnect between Elkann’s message and the drivers’ commitment.
Sky F1 pit-lane reporter Ted Kravitz also weighed in, interpreting Elkann’s comments as a desperate plea for the team to refocus and reclaim their position in the Constructors’ standings. “It’s a mark of how Ferrari are now judging their season, as to where they finish in the Constructors’,” he stated, emphasizing that second place would be deemed a success even without race wins.
With only three rounds left in the season, Ferrari still has a shot at reclaiming second place, currently occupied by Mercedes, who are 36 points ahead. However, the question remains: can Elkann’s controversial remarks galvanize the team, or will they exacerbate the already fragile morale at Maranello? The clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting as Ferrari faces a critical juncture in their quest for redemption.








