JUST In:Hamilton confirms Ferrari race engineer update after frustrated….read more 

Lewis Hamilton has provided a significant update on how his working relationship with Ferrari race engineer Riccardo Adami is evolving, following early-season frustrations that were evident over team radio exchanges.

Since making his high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari at the beginning of the 2025 Formula 1 season, Hamilton has faced several challenges—one of the most notable being communication breakdowns with his new race engineer. The race engineer-driver bond is one of the most important partnerships in a Formula 1 team, as it directly influences strategy execution, on-track performance, and decision-making under pressure. Miscommunications or a lack of understanding can result in costly errors during a race.

Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has built his career on precision, clarity, and calculated risk—elements that rely heavily on having a race engineer who is in sync with his thought process. Riccardo Adami, a seasoned engineer who previously worked with Sebastian Vettel during his Ferrari stint, stepped into this high-pressure role with Hamilton this year. However, their partnership got off to a rocky start.

In the opening races of the season, radio transmissions between Hamilton and Adami revealed signs of strain. On several occasions, Hamilton expressed frustration over delayed or vague instructions, particularly concerning pit strategy and tire management. These moments were broadcast to millions of viewers, prompting speculation about whether Hamilton was unhappy with how things were developing at his new team.

Now, several races into the season, Hamilton has spoken candidly about the situation, acknowledging the difficulties but also confirming that progress is being made. “It’s been a bit of a learning curve for both of us,” Hamilton admitted. “Riccardo and I are still building our communication style. These things don’t happen overnight.”

He emphasized that both parties have been working hard behind the scenes to improve their dynamic. According to Hamilton, he and Adami have held several debriefing sessions where they reviewed past race communications and refined their approach for future events. “We’ve had honest conversations,” he said. “I’ve given feedback on what I need in the car, and he’s done the same in terms of what he needs from me to make better calls.”

Hamilton also pointed out that adjusting to a new team involves more than just learning how a new car behaves—it’s also about understanding how people operate. “At Mercedes, I had years with the same group. We had a shorthand, a rhythm,” he explained. “Here at Ferrari, it’s all new. Riccardo has a different way of working, and I’m adapting to that while also bringing my own experiences.”

Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur has backed the duo, stating that the team is confident the relationship will mature into one of the strongest on the grid. “It takes time for a driver and engineer to click, especially when both are used to different systems,” Vasseur said. “But both Lewis and Riccardo are professionals. They’re already showing signs of improvement.”

Recent race weekends have indeed shown improvement. Radio exchanges between the two have been smoother, and strategy execution has become more cohesive. Hamilton praised the team’s willingness to support the adaptation process and said he felt increasingly comfortable with each race.

“There’s definitely progress,” Hamilton confirmed. “We’re not perfect yet, but we’re getting there. The goal is to be on the same page when it matters most—during those critical race moments.”

With several more races ahead and both Hamilton and Adami actively working to improve their collaboration, fans can expect to see a more unified Ferrari front as the season progresses. If the partnership solidifies, it could be a key factor in helping Ferrari return to the top of the Formula 1 standings—and possibly earn Hamilton a record-breaking eighth world title.