Ferrari Shifts Hamilton's Engineer Role; Red Bull Reveals 2026 Livery

Ferrari has officially moved Riccardo Adami to a strategic new role within their Driver Academy, leaving Lewis Hamilton without a confirmed race engineer as his debut season with the team approaches. Meanwhile, the Red Bull family has fired the starting gun for the 2026 season, with both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls unveiling their striking new liveries at a high-profile event in Detroit.

Why it matters:

The relationship between a driver and their race engineer is the bedrock of performance in Formula 1, particularly for a driver switching teams mid-career. While Ferrari’s decision to utilize Adami’s expertise for their academy shows a commitment to long-term growth, the timing creates a significant variable in Hamilton’s immediate setup. On the other side of the garage, the visual reveals mark the beginning of the new regulatory era, with teams eager to set the tone before testing begins.

The details:

• Internal Reshuffle: Riccardo Adami has been appointed as the Driver Academy and Test Previous Cars Manager. Ferrari emphasized that his vast experience will be pivotal in developing future talent and strengthening the performance culture across the entire program.
• Hamilton's Garage: With Adami stepping away, Ferrari has stated that Hamilton’s new race engineer will be confirmed "in due course," sparking speculation about whether the role will go to an existing member of the team or an external hire.
• Detroit Debut: Red Bull and Racing Bulls became the first outfits to showcase their 2026 colors. The ceremony took place in Motor City, featuring "shiny" liveries that Max Verstappen and other drivers praised for their aggressive aesthetic.
• Calendar Countdown: Haas is the next team on the docket, scheduled to reveal their new-season challenger on January 19, keeping the momentum going as the season opener draws near.

What's next:

As the sport gears up for the new regulations, the focus will shift to Maranello to finalize Hamilton's support structure. The paddock will also turn its attention to the Haas launch, eager to see how the American team has interpreted the new ruleset.