Just in:Ferrari fail Lewis Hamilton as new race engineer lack…. See more in the Link
Ferrari fail Lewis Hamilton as new race engineer lack…. See more in the Link
Lewis Hamilton’s early period with Ferrari continues to present challenges, particularly in his working relationship with his new race engineer during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend. The seven-time world champion is still adjusting to changes within the team, and the communication issues that marked his first season with Ferrari appear to be resurfacing again.
During his difficult debut season with Scuderia Ferrari, Hamilton frequently experienced tense moments over team radio with his former race engineer Riccardo Adami. Those exchanges often revealed misunderstandings and frustration, as the driver felt he was not receiving the information he needed at crucial moments during races and practice sessions. Eventually, the partnership between Hamilton and Adami came to an end during the off-season, raising expectations that Ferrari would appoint a new race engineer to work closely with the British driver.
However, as the countdown to pre-season testing approached, Ferrari had still not confirmed a permanent replacement. This created uncertainty about who would guide Hamilton through race weekends in the 2026 season. Ultimately, the team decided to place Carlo Santi in the role on an interim basis. Although Santi stepped in to support Hamilton, the temporary nature of the appointment already raised concerns about whether their partnership could quickly develop the chemistry needed for success in Formula One.
Hamilton himself acknowledged that the lack of a permanent race engineer might negatively influence his season. A strong relationship between driver and engineer is essential in modern Formula One, as the driver relies heavily on clear, timely communication to understand strategy, tyre performance, track conditions, and competitive positioning during sessions.
These concerns seemed to materialize again during the opening practice session of the Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit. Friday’s FP1 session was particularly important because it was the only practice opportunity available to teams before the rest of the race weekend’s competitive sessions. Drivers therefore depended heavily on their engineers to supply accurate and immediate feedback.
As the session progressed, Hamilton became noticeably frustrated over the radio, expressing dissatisfaction with the information he was receiving from the Ferrari pit wall. At one point, clearly irritated, he requested clearer guidance from his engineer, saying that he needed a concrete plan for the remainder of the session.
Santi initially responded briefly, acknowledging Hamilton’s request but not immediately providing detailed information. This prompted Hamilton to express further concern, explaining that he was unsure of his current position in the session and required more situational awareness to adjust his driving approach.
Only then did Santi provide a fuller response. He informed Hamilton that he was currently running in third place but warned that competitors had begun to improve their pace. In particular, both drivers from Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team had switched to the faster soft tyre compound and were lapping approximately 1.3 seconds quicker than Ferrari at that stage.
With that additional information, Hamilton’s tone became slightly calmer. He acknowledged that his lap initially appeared promising but explained that he lost time toward the end of it. Such exchanges highlighted the ongoing process of adjustment between driver and engineer as they attempt to develop an efficient communication rhythm.
By the conclusion of the session, Hamilton ultimately finished sixth in the timesheets. He trailed both Mercedes drivers as well as the two competitors from McLaren Formula 1 Team and his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc.
Although Hamilton’s radio messages sometimes sounded tense, they also demonstrated his determination to push Ferrari toward higher performance. His insistence on clearer communication suggests that he is actively trying to shape the working relationship with Santi into a more effective partnership. By explaining his expectations and guiding the engineer on what information he needs, Hamilton appears to be laying the groundwork for improved collaboration as the 2026 season continues.
About The Author
