Scuderia Ferrari is undergoing a major shake-up, and Lewis Hamilton faces big changes even before he officially dons the red race suit. The seven-time world champion recently spoke about the “very difficult decision” to part ways with race engineer Riccardo Adami, highlighting Ferrari’s high-stakes drive for perfection ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Key Points:
- Lewis Hamilton confirms a "very difficult decision" to change his race engineer for his upcoming Ferrari tenure.
- Riccardo Adami, his previous engineer, has been moved to a new role within Ferrari's Driver Academy.
- Carlos Santi, formerly with Kimi Raikkonen, will step in as Hamilton's provisional race engineer.
- The seven-time world champion emphasized the critical need for seamless communication and stability in the pit lane.
Hamilton's Engineer Revelation
Hamilton is no stranger to tough calls, and this engineer change reflects his relentless pursuit of optimal performance as he prepares for his move to Maranello. Beyond adapting to a new car, he must build a strong rapport with his new engineering team, a relationship that is central to F1 success and Ferrari’s ambitions with the British superstar.
The Adami Era Ends: A Candid Reflection
The departure of Riccardo Adami comes after what was described as a “difficult year” for the pair. Hamilton expressed gratitude for Adami’s efforts and patience, but underlying communication challenges made the change necessary.
Ferrari has moved Adami into a role within the Ferrari Driver Academy as Test Previous Cars Manager, ensuring that the team’s structure remains strong while maintaining all pieces of the puzzle for their marquee signing.
Meet Carlos Santi: A New Voice for the Champion
During the recent Barcelona shakedown, Hamilton worked with Bryan Bozzi, usually Charles Leclerc’s engineer. A more permanent solution is now in place: Carlos Santi, a seasoned Ferrari engineer, will take on the crucial role of Hamilton’s race engineer for the Bahrain test and beyond. Santi brings extensive experience, having previously worked with top drivers within Ferrari’s ranks.
