Ferrari has not dismissed the possibility of Lewis Hamilton changing his race engineer for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Throughout Hamilton’s challenging first year with Ferrari, his relationship with race engineer Riccardo Adami was notably strained, with several tense moments indicating a lack of strong rapport between them during the 24-race season. Hamilton’s debut was underwhelming, as he finished sixth in the drivers’ standings, nearly 100 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc, and did not achieve a single podium finish.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged that the team is exploring potential changes to better support Hamilton, now in his second year with Ferrari. Vasseur emphasized the need to enhance teamwork and communication, explaining that while the team has a deep understanding of Leclerc’s needs, they still need to better grasp what Hamilton requires. When questioned if Adami would continue as Hamilton’s race engineer, Vasseur responded that all options are being considered.
Vasseur admitted he underestimated the difficulty Hamilton faced in 2025, highlighting the massive adjustment for the driver after two decades with Mercedes. He stressed that the differences extend beyond just the environment, including software, car components, and team personnel, all impacting performance. Ferrari struggled to maintain consistency, often losing vital seconds in qualifying and races.
Improvement must come from all areas, Vasseur said, including a better mindset from the team and the driver. He pointed out that progress isn’t due to a single factor but the need to address multiple small issues cumulatively affecting performance. The collaboration between Hamilton and Ferrari, alongside Hamilton’s ability to maximize his car’s potential, must improve for better results.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for racing enthusiasts as it highlights the ongoing challenges even the top drivers face when switching teams. Hamilton’s situation could shape Ferrari’s strategic decisions and impact the competition dynamics in the coming F1 seasons.
