BREAKING: Ferrari confirm Reshuffle as Lewis Hamilton set f… Read more
BREAKING: Ferrari confirm reshuffle as Lewis Hamilton set for new race engineer ahead of 2026 season
By Hugo Harvey
Ferrari have officially confirmed a significant management reshuffle ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, announcing that Riccardo Adami will no longer serve as Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer. The decision brings an end to a partnership that lasted just one season and had been the subject of intense scrutiny throughout Hamilton’s debut year with the Scuderia.
The Italian engineer worked closely with the seven-time world champion during the 2025 campaign, Hamilton’s first season after his blockbuster switch from Mercedes to Ferrari. While the move was initially seen as a blend of experience and pedigree, the relationship increasingly came under the spotlight as the season progressed, particularly due to several tense radio exchanges broadcast during races and qualifying sessions.
Those on-track communications sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits, with questions raised over whether the pairing had achieved the level of harmony required to fight consistently at the front of the grid. Although Ferrari publicly backed both men during the season, it had become clear that internal discussions were taking place as the team prepared for the radical regulation changes coming in 2026.
In a formal statement released by the team, Ferrari confirmed that Adami has been reassigned within the organisation rather than leaving altogether. The Scuderia emphasised that the move reflects a broader restructuring rather than a dismissal, highlighting Adami’s long-standing value to the team.
“Scuderia Ferrari HP announces that Riccardo Adami has transitioned to a new position within the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy as Driver Academy and Test Previous Cars Manager,” the statement read. “In this capacity, his extensive Formula 1 experience will support the development of young drivers and help strengthen the programme’s performance culture.
“Scuderia Ferrari HP thanks Riccardo for his dedication and contribution in his trackside role and wishes him success in his new position. The new race engineer for car #44 will be announced in due course.”
The announcement confirms that Ferrari are taking a clean-slate approach as they enter a new era, with 2026 marking the introduction of all-new power unit and chassis regulations. For Hamilton, the change represents another major adjustment as he continues his pursuit of a record-breaking eighth world championship in red.
Adami’s Formula 1 career spans more than two decades, making him one of the most experienced engineers in the paddock. He began his journey in the sport in 2002 with Minardi, before remaining with the team as it evolved into Toro Rosso under Red Bull ownership. During that period, he worked with several high-profile drivers, including Daniel Ricciardo, Sebastien Buemi and Sebastian Vettel, who would later become a four-time world champion.
In 2015, Adami followed Vettel to Ferrari, where he became an integral part of the German’s inner circle. He remained Vettel’s race engineer throughout the latter’s second stint with the Scuderia, before continuing in the role when Vettel departed for Aston Martin. From 2021 onwards, Adami was assigned to Carlos Sainz, playing a key role in the Spaniard’s development and contributing to all four of Sainz’s race victories with Ferrari.
When Hamilton replaced Sainz for the 2025 season, Ferrari initially saw continuity as a strength, confirming Adami as Hamilton’s race engineer during the Briton’s first appearances at Maranello. However, despite flashes of promise, Ferrari endured a difficult and inconsistent campaign, with Hamilton failing to secure a race win and often voicing frustration over strategy calls and car behaviour.
While Hamilton has repeatedly stressed his long-term commitment to Ferrari and his belief in the team’s vision, the reshuffle suggests that Ferrari are keen to refine the structure around him to maximise performance under the new ruleset. The identity of Hamilton’s new race engineer remains unconfirmed, but the choice will be viewed as a crucial appointment given the scale of the challenge ahead.
With pre-season preparations for 2026 already underway behind the scenes, Ferrari’s decision signals a clear intent to leave no stone unturned. As Hamilton prepares for what could be one of the most defining seasons of his career, all eyes will now be on who Ferrari entrusts to guide car #44 from the pit wall when the new era of Formula 1 begins.
About The Author
