Brundle surprised Hamilton didn't replace Ferrari engineer sooner

Martin Brundle has expressed surprise that Lewis Hamilton didn't change his Ferrari race engineer sooner, following the team's confirmation that Riccardo Adami is moving to a new role within the organization. The Sky Sports analyst noted that despite the team putting a "varnish" on their public relationship, radio communications and on-track performance during Hamilton's debut season with the Scuderia suggested a disconnect that needed addressing.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's switch from Mercedes to Ferrari after 12 years was meant to propel the Italian team back to the front, but the 2025 results—a lone sprint win in China and no grand prix podiums—highlighted integration issues. The synergy between a driver and their race engineer is the backbone of race strategy and car setup; if the engineer cannot interpret "Lewis speak" effectively, the team loses the ability to maximize the car's potential during critical moments.

The details:

• Personnel Shift: Ferrari confirmed Adami is transitioning away from the trackside role, thanking him for his contribution. The search for Hamilton's new engineer is ongoing, with an announcement expected "in due course."
• Brundle's Analysis: Speaking at the Autosport Awards, Brundle remarked, "I'm surprised it probably didn't happen a bit earlier." He emphasized the necessity for a crew that understands Hamilton's specific feedback style and driving needs.
• Communication Gaps: While the team smoothed over public appearances, Brundle pointed to radio messages and overall performance as indicators that "something needed to change" regarding how Hamilton's input was being processed.
• New Era Context: This personnel change comes as Ferrari recently unveiled its 2026 livery, sporting new HP branding, ahead of private testing next week.

What's next:

With the 2026 season opener in Australia just weeks away, Ferrari faces a tight deadline to appoint a candidate who can instantly build rapport with Hamilton. The team will be hoping this structural adjustment helps unlock the performance needed to challenge for the championship this year.