Ferrari chairman John Elkann has delivered a fiery message to shareholders, fans, and doubters alike: the Italian outfit is all-in on turning around its fortunes in F1.
On Thursday in Maranello, Ferrari’s top brass convened for the company’s Capital Markets Day amid the team’s struggles and swirling rumors of tensions withing its troops.
But while the pressure is on, Ferrari’s management is doubling down on the manufacturer’s racing roots.
Earlier this week, Italy’s Corriere dello Sport reported a moment in the Ferrari garage last weekend at Singapore when a conversation between Scuderia boss Fred Vasseur and a senior engineer allegedly escalated into a heated exchange.
The publication also highlighted growing dissatisfaction among some of Ferrari’s engineering staff, who are reportedly frustrated with Charles Leclerc for what they see as his “uncompromising criticism” of the SF-25 car.
However, Elkann left no doubt on Thursday about the centrality of racing to the brand’s identity.
“Ferrari is unique in three dimensions: tradition, technology, and racing,” he told the assembly in Maranello. “The perfect combination of these three souls defines it. Racing, a history that began on the track almost 100 years ago, defines who we are.
“Let me be clear: this is a personal matter. My commitment is as Chairman, as majority shareholder, and, above all, as someone who has lived Ferrari as a lifelong passion.
“I am committed to ensuring that every decision we make strengthens Ferrari’s uniqueness; I am committed to our people, whose talent and dedication are the greatest guarantee for our future, and I am committed to our beloved Ferraristi who entrust their dreams to us.
“I am committed to our loyal fans, eager to see us win in Formula 1 as we are winning in Endurance. It is with pride that we took home the trophy after three consecutive victories at Le Mans this year. Forza Ferrari, always.”
Echoing Elkann’s message, Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna emphasized that the manufacturer’s recent success in the World Endurance Championship – notably at Le Mans – must serve as a springboard for Formula 1.
“Ferrari’s unique positioning is born from the meeting of heritage, technology and racing,” said Vigna.
“The teachings of our founder, his visionary spirit, his desire to redefine the limits of what is possible, combined with a profound sporting soul, still define who we are today and guide our ambitions for the current decade.
“Last time we made a commitment to win in racing. We achieved it with the 499P in Endurance, but in Formula 1 we must improve. We must win because we owe it to our loyal fans around the world.”
The statements come at a time when Ferrari, as an automotive constructor, faces heightened scrutiny, with the company’s share price dipping after updates to its electrification strategy and a more cautious revenue forecast.
Both Elkann and Vigna’s remarks reinforce a central message: even as Ferrari pivots toward electrification and advanced technology, its essence remains in competition.
Formula 1 success is more than a target – it is the yardstick by which the Prancing Horse measures its legacy and ambition.
Read also: Vasseur reveals the ‘mega frustrating’ pattern holding Ferrari back
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