Hamilton to Keep Ferrari Race Engineer for 2026 Amid Team Reshuffle Rumors

After a challenging first season at Ferrari marked by on-air tension, Lewis Hamilton is reportedly set to continue his partnership with race engineer Riccardo Adami into the 2026 season. The decision comes after a reportedly positive dinner between the two, signaling a commitment to stability as the team looks to move on from a difficult 2025 campaign. This news surfaces as the Scuderia's SF-25 car is being widely panned as a major failure and rumors swirl around other key personnel in the paddock.

Why it matters:

The driver-race engineer relationship is one of the most critical on-track partnerships in F1, responsible for strategy, feedback, and car setup. Maintaining continuity between Hamilton and Adami could be crucial for Ferrari to build momentum and avoid further internal disruption after a winless 2025. It suggests both parties are willing to work through early growing pains rather than making a reactive change, a sign of a long-term mindset as the team gears up for the new 2026 regulations.

The details:

• Hamilton-Adami Alliance: The initial report suggests a "very positive" dinner between Hamilton and Adami solidified the plan to continue their collaboration into F1 2026. This follows a debut season with the Scuderia that saw some noted tense communications over the radio.
• SF-25 Criticism: The decision also coincides with a scathing critique of the Ferrari SF-25, with one analysis stating the car deserves a "special place in hell" after failing to secure a single Grand Prix victory with Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at the wheel.
• Lambiase to Aston Martin?: In a potentially seismic shift, a report claims Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen's highly respected and long-serving race engineer, could be targeted by Aston Martin for a senior leadership role, potentially at team principal or CEO level.
• Verstappen's Mentorship: In a separate story, it was revealed that young Audi F1 driver Gabriel Bortoleto used to seek advice from Verstappen on his junior contracts, including his decision to sign with the McLaren Driver Academy.

What's next:

For Ferrari, the priority is clear: develop a competitive 2026 car that can allow the Hamilton-Leclerc driver lineup to fight for wins. The stability in the engineering department is a first step, but the car's performance will ultimately dictate their success. Meanwhile, the potential move of Lambiase to Aston Martin would be a major statement of intent from the Silverstone-based outfit, signaling their ambition to challenge Red Bull's dominance at an operational level. All eyes will be on how these personnel moves shape the competitive landscape for the 2026 season.