Ferrari CEO sends stark four-word Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc ultimatum

Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna declared 'we have to improve' in Formula One as the Italian auto manufacturer held a presentation for Capital Markets Day. The Scuderia are starting to lag behind rivals Mercedes in their Constructors' Championship battle.

Drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton limped home in sixth and eighth place, respectively, at the Singapore Grand Prix last weekend after managing severe brake issues in the closing stages. Meanwhile, George Russell notched Mercedes' second win of the campaign, stretching their advantage over Ferrari to 27 points.

Fred Vasseur's squad have already flipped their attention entirely toward the new technical regulations in 2026, in line with Hamilton's hopes, although they risk ending the current campaign without a Grand Prix victory, and without a podium appearance for their marquee winter addition.

"Last time we made a commitment to win in the races," said CEO Vigna. "We succeeded with the 499P in endurance, but in Formula One, we have to improve. We have to win. We owe it to our loyal fans all over the world."

Vigna's ambition was matched by chairman John Elkann, who also gave a speech as Ferrari revealed an expected revenue of €7.1billion (£6.2bn) for the year. "Ferrari is unique and is in three dimensions: tradition, technology and racing," he stated.

"The perfect combination of these three souls defines Ferrari. Racing, a story that began on the track almost 100 years ago, defines who we are. I want to be clear: this is a personal matter.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express F1 newsletter, or join our WhatsApp community here.

"My commitment is as president, as a majority shareholder, and above all as a person who has lived Ferrari as a lifelong passion. I am committed to ensuring that every decision we make can strengthen the uniqueness of Ferrari. I am committed to our people, whose talent and dedication are the greatest guarantee for our future.

"I am committed to our beloved Ferrari drivers, who entrust us with their dreams. And I am committed to our loyal fans, eager to see us win in F1, as we are winning in Endurance. And it is with pride that we took home the Le Mans trophy after three consecutive victories."

This commitment is matched by the incumbent F1 drivers. After the aforementioned brake issue cost him fifth place in Singapore, Hamilton posted a passionate message on Instagram, reiterating his desire to succeed with Ferrari and putting faith in the direction in which the team are heading.