Elkann’s remarks replicate the frustration and disappointment at Ferrari, who got here near changing into constructors’ champions final 12 months however have didn’t win a grand prix this season.

However they’re stated to be meant to be taken in a constructive method as a spur to enhance.

McLaren, who beat Ferrari by solely 14 factors final 12 months, received the title with six races remaining this season.

The constructors’ championship determines the groups’ prize cash and every place gained near the highest is price roughly $10m (£7.6m) over the place beneath.

Leclerc stated on social media it had been a “very tough” weekend in Sao Paulo – Ferrari picked up solely six factors total, because of Leclerc and Hamilton ending fifth and seventh respectively within the dash race.

Leclerc added: “Disappointing to return again dwelling with almost no factors in any respect for the workforce in what’s a essential second of the season to battle for the second place within the constructors’ championship.

“It is uphill from now and it is clear that solely unity may also help us flip that state of affairs round within the final three races. We’ll give all of it, as all the time.”

Hamilton received the dash race in China on the second race of the season however is but to face on a grand prix podium.

Leclerc – who certified third in Sao Paulo on the weekend however was taken out of the race in a crash with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli after the Italian collided with McLaren‘s Oscar Piastri – has scored seven podiums, with a finest results of second in Monaco and Mexico.