Ferrari still uncertain over Hamilton’s engineer: temporary solution expected ahead of 2026, the Englishman speaks out
With only a few weeks remaining before the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, Ferrari has yet to identify a definitive replacement for Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer. This situation adds a further layer of complexity to an already delicate project, especially after a 2025 campaign that fell short of expectations.
In January, the Maranello-based team confirmed that Riccardo Adami, who served as the Briton’s race engineer last season, would be reassigned to a new internal role. However, the Scuderia has not yet selected a permanent successor.
Interim solution with Carlo Santi, Raikkonen’s former engineer
According to reports emerging from Bahrain, Lewis Hamilton will initially work with Carlo Santi, an engineer who previously collaborated with Kimi Raikkonen during his time at Ferrari. However, this arrangement is set to be only a temporary solution.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion himself confirmed that he will change engineer again during the opening races of the season, admitting that this ongoing adaptation is far from ideal.
“It’s quite a difficult period because the current solution is not long term, it will only last for a few races. So at the beginning of the season, I will have to change again and learn to work with another person. That is a disadvantage in a year when you would like to arrive with someone you’ve already shared several seasons with, someone who has gone through tough moments and knows how to stay calm,” Lewis Hamilton said during the first day of testing in Bahrain. The British driver then added: “It’s the situation I’m facing and I will try to do my best. The team is trying to make everything as smooth as possible.”
Ferrari searching for the right person as Hamilton’s race engineer
From within the team, it is understood that the process will require time. A Ferrari spokesperson explained that the Scuderia is simply looking for “the right person,” while also underlining that Hamilton will not be placed at a disadvantage.
The issue follows a 2025 season marked by several difficulties in the working relationship between Lewis Hamilton and Riccardo Adami. Over the course of 24 Grands Prix, a genuine operational chemistry never fully developed, with certain moments of tension even broadcast over team radio.
Looking ahead to 2026, a crucial year with the introduction of the new technical regulations, stability within the working group will be essential. Changing race engineer multiple times in the early stages of the season represents a risk, particularly for a driver who is still seeking complete integration within the Ferrari environment.
Ferrari is now faced with a delicate strategic decision. In a championship that promises to be extremely competitive, every organisational detail can ultimately make the difference.
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