Ralf Schumacher thinks John Elkann is upset with Charles Leclerc after he was linked to one F1 rival

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Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc and his teammate Lewis Hamilton have been targeted by the team’s president, John Elkann, after a disappointing result in Brazil.

The Sao Paulo Grand Prix looked set to be critical to Ferrari’s chances of finishing second in the constructors’ championship.

Red Bull have been completely reliant on Max Verstappen to score their points, while Mercedes benefited from Andrea Kimi Antonelli having his best weekend in Formula 1 at Interlagos.

However, by the halfway stage of the race on Sunday, it was clear that Fred Vasseur’s team were in trouble.

Charles Leclerc was the collateral damage in Oscar Piastri and Antonelli’s collision following a safety car restart, and Lewis Hamilton’s car was too badly damaged from two stunts on the opening lap to finish the race.

Leclerc didn’t blame Piastri for the accident, even if the stewards did, but Hamilton admitted that his first season as a Scuderia driver had been a ‘nightmare’.

Ferrari president John Elkann then came out and attacked both drivers for being so negative about the team, praising the engineer and Vasseur in the process.

Elkann’s criticism might have been pointed at the wrong people, but Ralf Schumacher has presented another theory about why he might be so upset with Leclerc in particular.

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Ralf Schumacher thinks John Elkann criticised Charles Leclerc over Aston Martin interest

Schumacher was speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast about Elkann’s recent comments about his Ferrari drivers.

When asked about his criticism of Leclerc and Hamilton, Schumacher said: “Yes, well, that’s a very clear message to both of them.

“First, Charles Leclerc, there was a rumour that if he couldn’t get the world championship title at Ferrari, he might consider something else.

“Aston Martin was also a topic of discussion. Lawrence Stroll is probably looking for drivers after 2026.

“And, of course, the Elkann and Ferrari families won’t stand for that and naturally demand and say, ‘OK, if the drivers are more important than the brand, which is implicit, then we’ll leave it at that.’”

READ MORE: All to know about Aston Martin F1 Team from team principal to lineage

Would Charles Leclerc be a good signing for Aston Martin beyond the 2026 F1 season?

Leclerc has signed a long-term deal with Ferrari, but every Formula 1 agreement is full of break clauses and other conditions that can allow teams and drivers to part ways if they desire.

After seven seasons with Ferrari and only nine race victories to show for it, it’s easy to understand why the Monegasque driver might be considering his options.

F1 Oversteers understands that Leclerc is on Aston Martin’s shortlist for the 2027 season, as Lawrence Stroll considers replacing both of his current drivers.

Aston Martin are an enigma heading into Formula 1’s new rulesets next year.

They’ve invested heavily in making sure they’re more competitive heading into 2026, with a state-of-the-art new factory and wind tunnel now online, and the likes of Adrian Newey and Enrico Cardile brought in from Red Bull and Ferrari.

Aston Martin are also relying on Honda for their power units after signing an exclusive deal with the Japanese manufacturer.

Leclerc would be a statement signing if Stroll could convince him to quit Ferrari.

Twelve months ago, the thought of Leclerc even considering leaving Ferrari would have been far-fetched, but stranger things have happened in the F1 driver market.