Ferrari Drivers Respond to Criticism as Red Bull and Ford Announce 2026 Launch Plans
Tensions continue to rise in the Formula 1 paddock as Ferrari’s star drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, have each broken their silence following a wave of criticism from Ferrari chairman John Elkann. The timing of their responses coincides with a major development from Red Bull Racing and Ford, who have officially revealed their plans for the 2026 season—a campaign set to mark a new era in F1.
Ferrari Turmoil Deepens After Elkann’s Remarks
Ferrari’s struggles in the 2025 season have been well-documented, and internal pressure appears to be mounting. Chairman John Elkann recently issued a blunt statement calling on both Hamilton and Leclerc to “talk less and focus more on driving.” His remarks came after another disappointing outing at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where both drivers failed to finish.
Hamilton, who joined Ferrari this season amid massive fanfare and expectation, endured a tough weekend at Interlagos after sustaining floor damage in a collision with Alpine’s Franco Colapinto. Meanwhile, Leclerc’s race ended prematurely due to a mechanical failure, compounding Ferrari’s frustrations.
In response to Elkann’s comments, both Hamilton and Leclerc took to social media to express their views—without directly confronting their team boss.
Hamilton shared a calm but pointed message on his Instagram story, stating, “In this sport, unity and resilience matter more than words. Every challenge is an opportunity to improve, and that’s exactly what I’m focused on.” The British driver, known for his professionalism and mental toughness, appeared to downplay the controversy while reaffirming his commitment to Ferrari’s long-term goals.
Leclerc’s response carried a similar tone. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), the Monegasque driver wrote, “We all want the same thing—to see Ferrari back where it belongs. I trust our team and everyone working behind the scenes to make it happen.”
The unified, diplomatic responses from both drivers suggest an effort to cool tensions within the team as Ferrari looks to regroup ahead of the final races of the season.
Red Bull and Ford Unveil 2026 F1 Launch Details
While Ferrari deals with internal friction, Red Bull Racing has shifted focus toward the future. The reigning champions have officially confirmed their 2026 Formula 1 launch plans, which will also introduce their much-anticipated Red Bull-Ford power unit.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, Red Bull and Ford revealed that both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls will unveil their new liveries on January 15th, 2026, at a special event in the United States. The announcement marks a major milestone for the team as it prepares to enter a new era of Formula 1 regulations that emphasize sustainability, hybrid technology, and greater engine efficiency.
The partnership between Red Bull and Ford—first announced in 2023—will see the Austrian team produce its own power units for the first time, in collaboration with the American automotive giant. The upcoming launch event is expected to provide the first glimpse of what Red Bull’s next-generation challenger will look like, setting the stage for what many believe will be one of the most competitive seasons in recent history.
With Ferrari dealing with in-house drama and Red Bull preparing for a groundbreaking new chapter, the F1 world finds itself in a fascinating phase of transition. As teams gear up for 2026’s regulation overhaul, the contrast between Ferrari’s internal tension and Red Bull’s forward momentum underscores the ever-changing balance of power in Formula 1.
