Ferrari have put an end to speculation surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s engineering team by confirming that Carlo Santi will continue as the seven-time Formula 1 world champion’s race engineer for the foreseeable future.
The decision represents a significant vote of confidence from the Maranello-based squad and highlights the remarkable impact Carlo Santi has made since stepping into the role at the beginning of the 2026 Formula 1 season. What initially appeared to be a temporary solution has evolved into one of Ferrari’s most successful personnel moves in recent years.
When Riccardo Adami moved away from his position following the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, Ferrari had already identified a long-term replacement. The Scuderia recruited Cedric-Michel Grosjean from McLaren, believing the experienced engineer would eventually take over communications with Lewis Hamilton.
However, contractual obligations and gardening leave delayed Cedric-Michel Grosjean’s arrival. Ferrari initially expected him to join the team during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, but circumstances prevented that plan from becoming reality. As a result, Carlo Santi remained on the pit wall and continued working closely alongside Lewis Hamilton.
What followed exceeded expectations inside Ferrari. Rather than serving merely as a temporary stand-in, Carlo Santi quickly established a strong working relationship with Lewis Hamilton and became an integral part of the Briton’s adaptation to life at Ferrari.
A partnership that transformed Ferrari’s season
Throughout the opening phase of the 2026 Formula 1 season, Carlo Santi earned widespread praise for the clarity of his communication, his calm approach under pressure and his ability to provide Lewis Hamilton with both strategic guidance and emotional reassurance during crucial moments.
Those qualities have become increasingly visible during race weekends. Observers have noted a clear improvement in the flow of radio communication between driver and engineer, with Lewis Hamilton frequently receiving concise, actionable information at critical stages of races.
The growing chemistry between the pair has coincided with a dramatic improvement in results. Ferrari’s breakthrough victory in Barcelona represented a milestone moment, delivering Lewis Hamilton’s first Grand Prix triumph since joining the Italian team and reinforcing the belief that the Scuderia now possesses a stronger operational structure around its star driver.
Several paddock insiders have pointed to Carlo Santi’s influence as one of the factors behind that resurgence. His ability to balance technical precision with motivational support has helped create an environment in which Lewis Hamilton appears increasingly comfortable and confident.
Lewis Hamilton’s admiration for Carlo Santi continues to grow
In recent months, the Briton has repeatedly highlighted the positive impact Carlo Santi has had on his Ferrari experience. The Briton has publicly praised his engineer on multiple occasions and has even jokingly compared him to his former long-time Mercedes colleague Peter Bonnington, a comparison that reflects the level of trust already developing between the two.
Following several standout performances during the 2026 campaign, Lewis Hamilton suggested that working with Carlo Santi had renewed his enthusiasm for racing and helped him rediscover the enjoyment that initially brought him into Formula 1.
Such comments have inevitably fuelled questions about whether Ferrari would still proceed with its original engineering plans once Cedric-Michel Grosjean became available. However, the team now appears to have reached a definitive conclusion.
Ferrari close the door on any potential change
According to information reported by BBC Sport journalist Andrew Benson, the Italian side have no intention of altering the personnel surrounding Lewis Hamilton. A team representative reportedly confirmed that the current partnership is functioning effectively and that no replacement is being considered.
The message from Ferrari is clear: stability is viewed as a key ingredient in maintaining momentum during an increasingly competitive championship battle.
Rather than disrupting a relationship that is delivering results on track, Ferrari believe continuity offers the best opportunity to maximize performance during the remainder of the season. The decision also reflects the team’s recognition that strong driver-engineer relationships often become critical factors in championship-winning campaigns.
A crucial factor in Ferrari’s championship ambitions
As the 2026 Formula 1 season progresses, Lewis Hamilton finds himself firmly in contention near the front of the standings. With the Maranello team continuing to introduce performance upgrades and the team showing signs of sustained competitiveness, every operational advantage could prove decisive.
While race engineers rarely attract the same attention as drivers, their influence can be enormous. Strategy calls, tire management guidance, setup communication and psychological support all play a vital role in extracting maximum performance over a championship campaign.
For Ferrari, Carlo Santi has rapidly become much more than a temporary replacement. He has emerged as a trusted advisor, a calm voice during high-pressure situations and a key component of Lewis Hamilton’s adjustment to life in red.
With the battle for the 2026 Formula 1 world championship intensifying and Lewis Hamilton pursuing a historic eighth drivers’ title, Ferrari clearly believe that maintaining the successful partnership with Carlo Santi offers the best possible foundation for the challenges that lie ahead.
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