Lewis Hamilton’s improved radio communication in Melbourne shows Ferrari made the right engineer switch. Ferrari’s decision to replace his race engineer was the right move.

Lewis Hamilton’s clear Australian GP radio proves Ferrari’s engineer change was the right move

Ferrari’s decision to replace Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season may already be paying dividends, as the Australian Grand Prix highlighted the positive impact of the change. Although Hamilton is still chasing his first podium with Ferrari, his performance at Albert Park brought him closer than ever to ending that wait. The seven-time world champion finished just under a second behind teammate Charles Leclerc, while Mercedes drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured a convincing one-two finish.

During the winter break, Ferrari opted to part ways with Riccardo Adami, Hamilton’s previous race engineer. Although a permanent replacement has not yet begun working full-time with the 41-year-old, the team appointed Carlo Santi—formerly the engineer for Kimi Raikkonen—to temporarily handle Hamilton’s race communications. The Australian Grand Prix revealed early signs that Ferrari’s decision to make this change was already justified.

Improved team radio communication under Carlo Santi

Throughout the race, Lewis Hamilton’s exchanges with Carlo Santi were far more precise and structured than in previous seasons. Early in the race, Hamilton indicated he was running lower gears, and Santi responded with clear instructions about energy deployment and tyre management, emphasizing the importance of corner 12. Later, Hamilton asked whether he could take turn five flat, to which Santi confirmed that approach would work well.

When Hamilton requested feedback on which corners were losing him time, Santi immediately provided detailed advice. He identified that Hamilton was losing time on the exit of turn two and was too aggressive entering turn 13, instructing him to adjust his approach. Even during the Virtual Safety Car period, when Hamilton expressed concern about pitting, Santi calmly reassured him that the team was following plan A and maintaining focus on their overall race strategy.

The radio exchanges demonstrated Hamilton’s ability to provide actionable feedback and Carlo Santi’s responsiveness in interpreting the information quickly, enabling the Ferrari driver to optimise performance throughout the Grand Prix. On the cooldown lap after crossing the finish line, Carlo Santi praised the effort of the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, noting the car’s speed in specific sectors and summarising the race: George Russell P1, Andrea Kimi Antonelli P2, Charles Leclerc P3, and Lewis Hamilton P4. The Briton responded appreciatively, acknowledging the team’s work and emphasising the importance of solid points for the championship campaign.

Australian GP highlights Ferrari’s potential and Hamilton’s competitiveness

The 2026 Australian Grand Prix also offered encouraging signs about Ferrari’s overall pace relative to Mercedes. While last season the team struggled to compete with the likes of Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren, this year both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were able to challenge George Russell during the opening stint, with Leclerc taking the lead multiple times. Hamilton, meanwhile, managed to stay within striking distance, demonstrating the SF-26’s improved launch and race performance.

Hamilton benefited slightly from Oscar Piastri’s pre-race crash, which allowed him additional space off the grid. Nevertheless, he and Charles Leclerc pushed the pace at the start, showing that Ferrari can challenge for podium positions when circumstances align and the strategy is executed effectively. The early laps of the Australian Grand Prix demonstrated the SF-26’s potential, even on a track where overtaking is notoriously difficult.

Ferrari’s biggest challenge remains Mercedes’ pace

While the improved communication between Lewis Hamilton and Carlo Santi proved valuable, the team still faces a significant challenge: closing the gap to Mercedes. George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli controlled the race thanks to their superior energy deployment management and consistent pace throughout the Grand Prix. Russell himself highlighted that battery power limitations impacted his start, suggesting that energy strategy will continue to play a decisive role as the season unfolds.

For Ferrari, the early signs are promising. Lewis Hamilton’s competitive pace, coupled with Charles Leclerc’s strong performance, indicates that the team has the potential to fight for wins later in the season, particularly on circuits where overtaking is harder and strategic execution becomes crucial. If Ferrari can optimise their energy management, improve tyre strategy, and maintain the clear, effective communication displayed at the Australian Grand Prix, the first victory for Lewis Hamilton and the Scuderia since the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix may not be far away.

While Mercedes currently hold the upper hand in Melbourne, Ferrari’s improved team structure and Lewis Hamilton’s performance under his new race engineer demonstrate that the Italian team is capable of closing the gap. The Australian Grand Prix served as both a learning experience and a confidence booster, offering hope that Ferrari can convert potential into podiums and ultimately challenge for victories in the 2026 Formula 1 season.