After a difficult 2025 season in which Ferrari fell short of expectations, John Elkann has commented on the 2026 goals amid the Formula 1 regulation overhaul.
Amid the struggles of last season, Elkann criticised Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc for their complaints about the SF-25.
As the pair came to the closing stages of the year without a win, Elkann told the drivers to “focus on driving” and “talk less”.
The American-born Italian went on to compare the Scuderia’s endurance team to the F1, as Ferrari took both the Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ titles in WEC, including a 24 hours of Le Mans win, noting that “Ferrari wins when it is united”.
Unity is a sentiment that Elkann plans to take into 2026 as he addressed shareholders in Amsterdam, acknowledging that the Prancing Horse knows “that racing is also about learning and improving,” before going into further detail on the new regulations.
“After a season that fell short of our ambitions, in 2026, we embarked on a new championship under new rules.
“We are approaching it with unity and determination, focused on the work needed to come back stronger.”
He touched again on the previous year’s WEC success: “November 8 [the date of the season finale in Bahrain] was a moment of pure joy for all of us and for fans around the world.
“Fifty years after our last overall world title in endurance racing, Ferrari has clinched both the constructors’ and drivers’ titles in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
“The excitement is clear to see on our faces.
“It is the result of talent and teamwork, at the end of a season that also saw the 499P secure a third consecutive victory at Le Mans – another extraordinary milestone in our history.”
Return to winning
However, Ferrari’s goal is to return to winning in F1. Hamilton and Leclerc have both had strong starts to the 2026 season. The new regulations have seen Ferrari take second place in the early-season order.
Benedetto Vigna, the Ferrari chief executive, spoke about how victory remains the prancing horse’s only objective within motorsport.
“In the world of racing, our goal remains simple: we race to win.
“We are expanding our competitive arena to include endurance racing, whilst reaffirming our full commitment to the World Endurance Championship and Formula 1.
“2025 marked the start of a new strategic cycle.”
As motorsport enters a new era, Vigna spoke about the team’s objective by 2030.
“At the Capital Markets Day on October 9 in Maranello, we presented our ambitions for 2030.
“In the ‘Sports Cars’ segment, we will continue to safeguard exclusivity through horizontal product diversification, with an average of four new models per year between 2026 and 2030, including petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains.
“In the ‘Lifestyle’ segment, we will continue to enhance the customer experience and broaden our reach beyond fans and Ferrari enthusiasts.”
On the Formula 1 front, the grid’s composition and order are still being decided. While Mercedes has set themselves as the frontrunner, with engine regulations constantly shifting, their advantage could quickly be eaten into.
Ferrari has primed itself to take the top spot if cracks emerge. However, Ferrari’s progression and upgrade will be vital in helping them stay on top.
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