Giacomo Altoè, Ferrari GT driver in IMSA, does not mince words when commenting on John Elkann’s statements against Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. According to Altoè, the Ferrari president has “dropped a bomb,” creating an uncomfortable situation for everyone. He believes Elkann lacks the F1 team management experience needed and that a figure like Christian Horner could be essential to save the Prancing Horse.
Ferrari is going through a difficult period in Formula 1, and alongside disappointing results on track and internal unrest, the team now faces the sharp words of President John Elkann, who recently stated that drivers should focus more on driving than talking. Strong statements like these certainly do not help to ease the already tense atmosphere at Maranello.
In fact, it appears that both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton did not take John Elkann’s words well, raising the risk that both the Monegasque and the British driver could leave Ferrari at the end of 2026, especially if the Scuderia fails again in 2026. A president should support the entire team during such a challenging period rather than attacking drivers who likely bear no responsibility if the SF-25 has proven to be a nearly failed project.
Yet Elkann seems unaware that his words could have negative consequences not only for the end of this season but also for 2026. Giacomo Altoè addressed John Elkann’s statements in an interview with Pit Talk, saying that the Ferrari president’s remarks put everyone in a very uncomfortable position:
“He has definitely dropped a bomb, especially in terms of trust and the situation within the team. He has put everyone in a truly uncomfortable situation, which is not good for anyone. Honestly, I didn’t understand this move. Naturally, Leclerc and Hamilton were slightly upset, but they have always been very professional and fairly quiet.”
“Let’s say it hasn’t improved things. I don’t see the point of making a public statement like that because it brings no advantage. Once drivers feel that trust and support from the president are gone, it becomes really difficult.”
Altoè also highlighted that John Elkann clearly lacks the managerial experience required to run a Formula 1 racing team, which is very different from managing Ferrari as a company. While Elkann has continued to deliver great results in the commercial field, what Ferrari now needs is a more ‘track-focused’ figure.
Similar to Luca Cordero di Montezemolo during the 1990s and early 2000s, Giacomo Altoè believes the only way to overcome this situation is to appoint someone with proven F1 experience and, importantly, someone who has already won in Formula 1. A figure like Christian Horner could be precisely what the Prancing Horse needs.
With two races left in a season that has seen Ferrari slide from title challengers to also-rans, Giacomo Altoè’s explosive intervention has only intensified calls for major structural change at the most famous team in motorsport.
One thing is clear: the clock is ticking louder than ever in Maranello.
Leave a Reply