Just in:Ferrari make Lewis Hamilton move as f1 D…. see more
Ferrari make Lewis Hamilton move as f1 D…. see more
Ferrari have taken an unexpected step involving Lewis Hamilton as preparations intensify ahead of the 2026 Formula One season, following growing calls from fans for changes within the team. Reports suggest that the Italian outfit has adjusted its plans for Hamilton’s race engineering setup during the opening phase of pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
With Formula One entering a new era in 2026 due to sweeping technical and sporting regulation changes, teams are placing significant emphasis on early testing. To aid development, the grid will participate in three separate test sessions before the season officially begins. The first is a private test scheduled to take place in Barcelona from January 26 to January 30. This will be followed by two official three-day tests in Bahrain, running from February 11 to February 13 and again from February 18 to February 20.
Amid these preparations, Ferrari have been dealing with uncertainty surrounding Hamilton’s race engineer position. The seven-time world champion is set to begin a new chapter with Ferrari, but recent confirmation that Riccardo Adami will step down from his role as Hamilton’s race engineer has left the team without a clear replacement. As of now, Ferrari have yet to announce who will permanently take over this crucial position.
According to reports from Italian media outlets, Ferrari have introduced a temporary solution for the opening test in Barcelona. Rather than appointing a dedicated race engineer for Hamilton, the team is expected to have him share engineering resources with his team-mate, Charles Leclerc. This arrangement is believed to apply only to the Barcelona test and is seen as a short-term measure while Ferrari continue their search for a long-term replacement.
The decision has reportedly sparked mixed reactions among fans, many of whom have expressed concerns about whether sharing a race engineer could affect Hamilton’s ability to adapt quickly to the Ferrari environment. Race engineers play a vital role in a driver’s performance, acting as the primary communication link between the driver and the pit wall, managing car setup, strategy, and real-time feedback during sessions. For a driver of Hamilton’s experience, consistency and clear communication are often considered essential, especially when learning a new car under unfamiliar regulations.
Ferrari, however, are believed to view the Barcelona test primarily as a data-gathering exercise rather than a performance-focused outing. With the 2026 regulations introducing new power units, aerodynamic concepts, and sustainability targets, teams are expected to prioritize understanding the fundamentals of their cars rather than pushing for lap times. From this perspective, Ferrari may see the shared engineering arrangement as a practical stopgap rather than a major concern.
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc’s involvement in the arrangement highlights Ferrari’s attempt to maintain balance within the team. Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari for several seasons, provides continuity and familiarity with the team’s systems, which could help streamline communication during the test sessions.
Despite the temporary nature of the setup, attention remains firmly on Ferrari’s next move. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see who will ultimately be appointed as Hamilton’s dedicated race engineer, a decision that could significantly
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