Under Elkann's Leadership, Ferrari's F1 Performance Raises Questions
Ferrari's Formula 1 performance under John Elkann's seven-year presidency has been underwhelming, marked by just 15 wins in 160 races and no championships. This period has seen high turnover in team principals and drivers, with none able to bring the team consistent success. Elkann's recent public criticism of his drivers further highlights the mounting pressure as Ferrari continues to struggle to meet its storied expectations.
Ferrari's performance under John Elkann's seven-year presidency has consistently fallen short of expectations, with the iconic team struggling to achieve significant results in Formula 1. Since taking over in October 2018, Elkann's tenure has been marked by a dearth of victories and no championship titles, leading to questions about the strategic direction of the Maranello outfit.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's standing as one of Formula 1's most prestigious and successful teams makes its prolonged period without championship success a critical issue for the sport and its vast global fanbase. The failure to translate significant investment and resources into on-track dominance raises concerns about the team's ability to compete at the highest level and fulfill its legacy, especially when key leadership figures and driver lineups continue to rotate without yielding the desired results.
The details:
- Lack of Wins and Titles: Over eight seasons, Ferrari has managed only 15 wins out of 160 races, securing no championships. Three of these seasons passed without a single victory.
- Leadership Turnover: The team has seen multiple principals come and go, including Maurizio Arrivabene, Mattia Binotto, and currently Frederic Vasseur, none of whom have managed to restore Ferrari to its former glory.
- Driver Instability: Five different full-time drivers—Kimi Raikkonen, Sebastian Vettel, Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, and Lewis Hamilton—have competed for Ferrari during this period (six if including Oliver Bearman's one-off), yet none have been able to challenge for a title until the season's end.
- Elkann's Recent Comments: Following a double retirement at the Brazilian Grand Prix, President Elkann publicly urged drivers to "focus on driving more and talk less." These remarks sparked widespread debate among fans and industry figures, including former World Champion Jenson Button, who offered a blunt response.
The big picture:
John Elkann's leadership has seen Ferrari fall significantly short of the standards set by its illustrious history. Despite his prominent roles at Exor, Stellantis, and Juventus, his oversight of Ferrari's F1 operations has not translated into competitive success. The persistent underperformance, coupled with a revolving door of team principals and star drivers, highlights deeper systemic issues within the team's structure and strategy, rather than individual failures.
What's next:
With Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari in 2025, the pressure on Elkann and the current leadership to deliver results will intensify. The team desperately needs a stable and winning formula to break free from this winless streak and to validate the significant changes made in recent years. The upcoming seasons will be crucial in determining whether Ferrari can overcome its current struggles and once again become a consistent championship contender under Elkann's presidency.