F1 | John Elkann in the spotlight as political backlash raises fears for Ferrari. John Elkann faces growing criticism after the sale of the Gedi Group.

Carlo Calenda has strongly criticised John Elkann following the sale operation involving the Gedi Group, raising alarm bells that also extend to Ferrari.

In recent days, a new controversy has emerged involving the President of Ferrari. The Gedi Group, which includes major Italian newspapers such as La Stampa and La Repubblica, is reportedly set to be sold to a Greek group, which is currently considered the favourite for the acquisition planned for 2026. John Elkann’s move has triggered strong reactions, including criticism from Carlo Calenda, who foresees a bleak and uncertain future not only for the publishing sector but also for Ferrari.

The sale operation has generated a scandal that has drawn the attention of Italian politics as well. At the same time, the newspapers and radio stations involved have launched protests over the uncertainty surrounding their future. As a result, John Elkann once again finds himself at the centre of a storm, even after the well-known statements he made to Ferrari drivers following last season’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

Carlo Calenda and the attack on Elkann

The leader of the Azione party has levelled heavy accusations in response to the affair involving the Gedi Group. Calenda openly attacked John Elkann while also outlining a deeply negative scenario for Ferrari’s future: “He has managed to destroy in one generation what had been built over 125 years with a significant contribution from the Italian state. Congratulations. Juventus and Ferrari are still missing, but he is well on his way there too.”

Carlo Calenda’s criticism clearly goes beyond the Ferrari issue alone. Expanding on his position, he added: “I had predicted and stated this years ago. And it did not take much to foresee that once all the industrial assets were sold, newspapers would no longer have any value to keep politics and trade unions satisfied,” he wrote in a post published on the X platform. “After the 2027 elections, they will also shut down the (half-empty) Stellantis factories.”

In recent months, John Elkann’s actions have attracted criticism across several areas of activity. Even if Ferrari is not the central focus of this particular controversy, the Maranello-based team is inevitably affected by a climate that does little to promote calm, stability, and confidence within the organisation.

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