The disappointment of the Brazilian Grand Prix has left a deep mark on the Ferrari fanbase. Over the past few days, the hashtag #ElkannOut has gone viral across social media, appearing under every new post published by the Scuderia Ferrari’s official profiles.
The backlash was triggered by comments from team president John Elkann, who reacted to the difficult weekend in São Paulo by urging the Ferrari drivers to “focus on driving and talk less.” The remark immediately split opinions throughout the paddock. Many supporters interpreted his words as a direct criticism of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, both coming off a complicated race and a costly double retirement for the standings.
The Ferrari storm: #ElkannOut spreads across every social platform
Within hours, #ElkannOut appeared in hundreds of comments on Instagram, X, and Facebook. The phenomenon is not limited to a single post: every photo, video, or official graphic shared by Ferrari is now flooded with protest messages. The hashtag has become a symbol of growing frustration, fuelled by a season that has fallen short of expectations and by remarks from the president that many considered ill-timed.
The protest highlights a widening disconnect between supporters and the team’s leadership. Fans are calling for more accountability, clearer communication, and stronger support for the drivers. Many argue that after such a difficult weekend at Interlagos, the priority should have been defending the team rather than increasing internal tension.
The Brazil GP was a disastrous weekend for Maranello. Charles Leclerc was eliminated in a crash at the restart, while Lewis Hamilton retired after a collision with Franco Colapinto. The double DNF amplified the frustration of fans already worn down by an inconsistent season. John Elkann’s words, delivered at such a sensitive moment, quickly became the spark that ignited the social media revolt, according to the Italian website f1ingenerale.
For now, the Scuderia has not issued an official comment on the protest. The focus has shifted to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where rebuilding trust and delivering a strong response will be essential. Still, the #ElkannOut movement remains a powerful indicator of the current mood among Ferrari fans — a signal the team’s management cannot afford to ignore in the coming weeks.
