Hamilton to get new Ferrari race engineer as Adami shifts roles

Ferrari has confirmed a significant personnel shift regarding Lewis Hamilton's arrival, announcing that the seven-time champion will have a new race engineer for the 2026 season. Riccardo Adami, who was initially slated to work with Hamilton, will move to a strategic role within the Ferrari Driver Academy and manage the testing of previous cars.

Why it matters:

The relationship between a driver and their race engineer is arguably the most critical dynamic in Formula 1, dictating everything from tire strategy to car setup feedback. While Adami is a highly respected engineer, this shuffle suggests Ferrari is optimizing its personnel structure to leverage Adami’s experience for long-term development while potentially finding a specific operational match for Hamilton’s unique communication style ahead of the new regulations.

The details:

• Strategic Realignment: Adami will take on the role of Driver Academy and Test Previous Cars Manager. This position is designed to utilize his extensive trackside experience to bolster the development of young talent and strengthen the team's overall performance culture.
• A Brief Partnership: Adami and Hamilton were expected to collaborate, but this move ensures Adami’s expertise benefits the wider organization rather than just one driver. Adami previously served as Charles Leclerc’s race engineer for five years, bringing a wealth of data and historical knowledge to the table.
• The Vacancy: The identity of Hamilton’s new race engineer has not been disclosed. This leaves a crucial vacancy on Ferrari’s race team wall, requiring someone who can handle the immense pressure of working with a superstar driver entering a new chapter of his career.

What's next:

All eyes will now be on who Ferrari appoints to this pivotal role. The team will likely conduct an internal search or look externally to find a candidate who can mesh with Hamilton’s meticulous approach. The new engineer will need to be in place well before the 2026 pre-season testing to establish the necessary chemistry and rapport required to challenge for championships.