Ferrari replaces Hamilton's race engineer after communication struggles

Ferrari has officially parted ways with Lewis Hamilton's race engineer, Riccardo Adami, moving him to a developmental role within the Ferrari Driver Academy. The decision follows a challenging 2025 season where radio communication between the seven-time champion and his engineer frequently broke down, creating visible friction during races. As the Scuderia gears up for the pivotal 2026 season, finding a compatible voice in Hamilton's ear has become a top priority.

Why it matters:

The synergy between a driver and race engineer is the bedrock of performance in modern Formula 1. For Hamilton, who is widely expected to make 2026 his final push for a record-breaking eighth world title, having absolute trust and clear dialogue with his engineer is non-negotiable. Ferrari's swift action signals that the team is unwilling to let interpersonal dynamics hinder their championship ambitions, placing Hamilton's comfort and confidence at the forefront of their strategy.

The details:

• Role Change: Riccardo Adami transitions to the position of Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy and Test Previous Cars Manager, leveraging his extensive trackside experience to nurture future talent.
• Communication Breakdown: Throughout the 2025 season, team radio messages often revealed disagreements regarding strategy and car setup, suggesting a fundamental mismatch in working styles.
• The Search: Ferrari has stated that the new race engineer for car #44 will be announced "in due course," leaving a crucial vacancy to be filled before pre-season testing begins.
• High Stakes: The 2026 regulations represent a massive reset for the grid. Ferrari needs Hamilton and his engineer to be perfectly synchronized to capitalize on the new rules and challenge the current frontrunners.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Maranello as they identify Adami's successor. The ideal candidate will need to handle Hamilton's intense feedback loop and strategic input. With the 2026 car set to debut soon, establishing this relationship early is vital. If Ferrari can secure a harmonious pairing, they may finally have the complete package required to end their championship drought.