Ferrari chairman Elkann criticises Hamilton and Leclerc

Elkann’s words reflect his frustration and disappointment with Ferrari, which came close to winning the constructors’ championship last year but failed to win a grand prix this season.

However, it is said that these should be taken in a constructive manner to promote development.

McLaren, which beat Ferrari by only 14 points last year, won the championship with six races remaining this season.

The teams’ championship determines the teams’ prize money, with each position gained near the top being worth around $10 million (£7.6 million) based on the level below.

Leclerc said on social media that he had a “very difficult” weekend in Sao Paulo; Ferrari collected just six points in total, thanks to Leclerc and Hamilton finishing fifth and seventh in the sprint race respectively.

Leclerc added: “It was disappointing to come home with almost no points for the team at a crucial moment in the season as they battled for second place in the constructors’ championship.

“It’s going uphill from now on and it’s clear from the last three races that only unity can help us turn this situation around. As always, we will do our best.”

Hamilton won the sprint race in China in the second race of the season but has yet to finish on the podium.

Leclerc, who was third in Sao Paulo at the weekend but retired after colliding with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, took seven podiums, with second-best results in Monaco and Mexico.