Ferrari Reshuffles Hamilton's Team as 2026 Power Unit Battle Intensifies

Ferrari has sparked debate by reassigning Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer Riccardo Adami ahead of the 2026 season, a strategic shift that coincides with intense early testing activity for the new regulations. Cadillac completed its shakedown at Silverstone with Sergio Perez behind the wheel, while Ferrari released audio of its "revolutionary" new power unit, signaling the start of a fierce technical arms race on and off the track.

Why it matters:

The 2026 regulations represent the most significant reset in Formula 1 in years, introducing new power units and welcoming new entrants like Cadillac. Personnel changes, such as Hamilton’s engineering shuffle, and early hardware tests are critical indicators of how teams are positioning themselves for this new era. With insiders like Helmut Marko already tipping Mercedes as the favorite, the pressure is mounting on Ferrari and Red Bull to deliver competitive packages.

The details:

• Hamilton's Support Team: Ferrari announced that Riccardo Adami will move to a role supporting the junior academy and TPC program, meaning Hamilton will enter his second season with the Scuderia with a new voice in his ear.
• Cadillac's Debut: Sergio Perez drove the Cadillac F1 2026 car during a shakedown at Silverstone, with teammate Valtteri Bottas in attendance. Perez described the experience as leaving him "fired up for more."
• Ferrari's Innovation: The team released footage of its 2026 engine firing up, reportedly featuring steel cylinder heads instead of aluminum to achieve more efficient combustion.
• The Mercedes Threat: Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has cast doubt on Max Verstappen’s chances, claiming the 2026 title will likely go to a driver with a Mercedes power unit due to their advanced preparations.
• Red Bull's Focus: Ben Hodgkinson of Red Bull Powertrains believes the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) will be the primary performance differentiator under the new rules, shifting focus away from just electrical power.

Looking Ahead:

As the grid prepares for the official launch of the SF-26 and continued testing, the narrative is rapidly shifting toward the reliability and performance of these next-generation power units. While early reports suggest Mercedes holds an advantage, Ferrari's aggressive engineering choices and Red Bull's partnership with Ford promise a highly competitive battle to define the next generation of Formula 1.