Oracle announces up to 30,000 layoffs, trimming Red Bull staff; Hamilton’s Ferrari resurgence linked to stronger contract

Core summary Oracle, the tech giant that sponsors Red Bull Racing, disclosed a global layoff plan that could affect as many as 30,000 employees – including engineers, architects and programme managers tied to the F1 operation. Meanwhile, former driver Ralf Schumacher argues that Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected form in 2026 stems more from a newly weighted Ferrari contract granting him unprecedented authority than from pure car performance.

Why it matters:

• A massive reduction in Oracle staff could erode the technical and operational support Red Bull relies on for its championship‑contending cars.
• Hamilton’s contract‑driven influence may reshape Ferrari’s internal decision‑making, potentially altering the team’s strategic hierarchy.
• Both stories highlight how business moves off the track can directly affect on‑track competitiveness.

The details:

• Oracle layoffs
  • Company says up to 30,000 jobs will be cut worldwide, with immediate termination emails sent to staff in the U.S., India, Canada and Mexico.
  • Affected roles span engineers, architects, operations leaders and programme managers – many of whom work directly on Red Bull’s F1 projects.
  • The cuts are part of Oracle’s pivot toward artificial‑intelligence investments, raising questions about future sponsorship funding.
• Hamilton’s contract
  • Schumacher notes Hamilton now enjoys a "high‑degree of independence" within Ferrari, effectively making him the de‑facto number one driver.
  • The stronger contractual footing could limit the team’s ability to intervene in car set‑up or race strategy, giving Hamilton more control over key decisions.
  • This shift may also affect the team’s internal dynamics, as other drivers and engineers adjust to a new pecking order.

What's next:

• Oracle’s AI‑first restructuring will continue; Red Bull may need to renegotiate support terms or seek additional partners to maintain its technical edge.
• Ferrari will need to balance Hamilton’s autonomy with team cohesion, especially as the season progresses and rival teams close the performance gap.
• Upcoming races will reveal whether Red Bull can sustain its pace without the full backing of its title sponsor and whether Hamilton’s contract‑driven freedom translates into consistent podium finishes.