Breaking: New race engineer for Lewis Hamilton as Ferrari inner circle takes shape…Read
New race engineer for Lewis Hamilton as Ferrari inner circle takes shape
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, is set to team up with former Carlos Sainz race engineer Riccardo Adami in his debut season with Ferrari in 2025.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, which was officially announced last February, marks a significant shift for the sport’s most decorated driver.
The British racer will now join the most successful team in F1 history, leaving behind Mercedes after a storied partnership.
Hamilton’s New Team and Engineer
With Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari comes a change in his race engineering support. Peter Bonnington, Hamilton’s long-serving race engineer at Mercedes, will not follow him to Ferrari.
Instead, Bonnington has been promoted to head of race engineering at Mercedes, where he will continue his duties with Hamilton’s successor, Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
At Ferrari, Hamilton is expected to work with Riccardo Adami, who has a wealth of experience, having served as the race engineer for Sebastian Vettel during his time with the team (2015-2020) and more recently for Carlos Sainz (2021-2024).
Reports of the Hamilton-Adami partnership gained traction after Guiliano Duchessa revealed last year that Hamilton sought Vettel’s advice regarding Adami.
Vettel reportedly gave a glowing review, describing Adami as “excellent.”
However, there was uncertainty about the pairing when Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur avoided confirming the collaboration during the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Despite this, La Gazzetta dello Sport now reports that Adami will indeed be Hamilton’s race engineer, putting any doubts to rest.
Hamilton’s Inner Circle at Ferrari
Hamilton is also bringing members of his trusted support team to Ferrari, ensuring continuity amid the change.
His manager, Marc Hynes, who has worked closely with Hamilton since their reunion in 2024, will remain involved.
Alongside Hynes, Hamilton’s entourage will include trainers, photographers, security staff, and public relations personnel to support him both on and off the track.
Hamilton will also find familiar faces within Ferrari’s leadership.
Team principal Fred Vasseur played a pivotal role in Hamilton’s GP2 title win in 2006 as head of ART Grand Prix.
Additionally, Jerome d’Ambrosio, Ferrari’s deputy team principal, worked briefly with Mercedes in 2023 and has joined Ferrari to oversee its junior driver program.
Another familiar figure is Loic Serra, a former Mercedes engineer, who has been instrumental in developing Ferrari’s 2025 car, dubbed Project 677.
Project 677 and Cockpit Adjustments
Ferrari’s 2025 car, Project 677, is believed to have undergone significant design changes.
One key adjustment involves repositioning the cockpit further back, addressing a recurring complaint Hamilton voiced during his penultimate season with Mercedes in 2023.
At the time, Hamilton criticized the seating position in the W14 car, stating it was “too close to the front.”
While it remains unclear if Hamilton directly influenced Ferrari’s decision, the move is expected to provide a more comfortable driving experience for the British driver.
Serra, who shares a strong working relationship with Hamilton, has led the development of Project 677 after taking over from Enrico Cardile, who departed Ferrari for Aston Martin.
Ferrari’s Ambitions for 2025
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari signals a new era for the team as they aim to reclaim championship glory.
With Vasseur at the helm and a blend of experienced and emerging talents like Sainz, Ferrari hopes to build a formidable challenge against rivals Red Bull and Mercedes.
Hamilton’s proven expertise and hunger for success could provide the missing piece in Ferrari’s quest to end their title drought.
Hamilton’s Reflections on Change
Hamilton shared his excitement and reflections on his move to Ferrari in a LinkedIn post.
He encouraged others to embrace change and view new opportunities as a chance for growth.
“To anyone considering their next move in 2025: embrace the change,” he wrote.
“Reinvention is powerful. Your next opportunity is always within reach.”
He concluded his message with optimism, saying, “Here’s to 2025—a year of embracing new opportunities, staying hungry, and driving forward with purpose. Let’s make it one to remember. Andiamo.”
Conclusion
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari is one of the most significant storylines in recent F1 history.
With Adami as his race engineer, a strong support network, and a revamped car designed to his preferences, Hamilton is poised to make a powerful impact at Ferrari.
As the 2025 season approaches, fans eagerly await to see how this historic partnership unfolds and whether Hamilton can add to his already illustrious legacy.
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