Lewis Hamilton’s inner circle disrupted as Cadillac makes strategic Ferrari move. Ferrari faces upheaval as Cadillac recruits a close Lewis Hamilton confidant.

Lewis Hamilton is making significant changes to both his Ferrari garage and personal entourage ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, following a challenging debut year at Maranello.

After a difficult 2025, Hamilton reorganizes his Ferrari setup

Following what many consider his most difficult season in Formula 1, with no podium finishes in his first year with Ferrari, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is taking decisive steps to reset his 2026 campaign. Ferrari has already moved Hamilton’s 2025 race engineer, Riccardo Adami, into a different role within the team. The pair reportedly struggled to work effectively together, with recurring miscommunications and a lack of alignment on strategy and feedback throughout the season.

Ferrari quickly ruled out bringing in Peter Bonnington, who had been Lewis Hamilton’s trusted race engineer during his 12 years at Mercedes. Instead, the team has appointed Cedric Michel-Grosjean, who joins from McLaren, as Hamilton’s new race engineer—a position Michel-Grosjean has never held before. This move is part of a broader effort to provide Hamilton with a fresh perspective and stronger technical support in 2026.

Changes extend beyond the garage: Hamilton’s inner circle shifts

It is not only within Ferrari that Hamilton is shaking things up. His personal entourage has also seen significant adjustments, with one long-term ally being poached by a rival team.

Cadillac signs Lewis Hamilton’s close ally Marc Hynes

Reports from the Daily Mail indicate that Lewis Hamilton has parted ways with Marc Hynes ahead of the 2026 season. Hynes, a former British Formula 3 champion and long-time confidant of Hamilton, served as chief executive of Lewis Hamilton’s “Project 44” from 2015 to 2021, managing the seven-time champion’s business affairs. Hynes returned to Ferrari in 2025 to oversee Hamilton’s racing logistics and was present at virtually every Grand Prix, providing close support throughout the season.

While Hamilton and Hynes ended their professional partnership in 2021 on amicable terms, they reunited briefly in 2025. Now, for 2026, the pair have once again parted ways in what sources describe as a “friendly separation.” It remains unclear whether Hynes will continue to advise the Briton on any business matters, but it has been confirmed that Cadillac has recruited him for the 2026 season, marking a significant gain for the 11th team on the grid.

Early challenges for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari in 2026

As Lewis Hamilton prepares for his second season with Ferrari, expectations are high. Statistically, the British driver has often won a championship in his second year with every Formula 1 team he has raced for, making 2026 potentially pivotal. However, success will depend on both Hamilton’s form and Ferrari’s ability to deliver a competitive SF-26.

Initial signs from the Barcelona shakedown may raise concerns. Hamilton reportedly struggled through turn 10, experiencing significant oversteer and running wide multiple times. On at least one occasion, he even spun the car, highlighting early handling issues. Observers from rival teams noted these difficulties, with several Ferrari competitors flagging concerns about the SF-26’s balance and drivability.

While the Briton faced challenges adapting to last year’s Ferrari, the early indications suggest that his new car has already presented obstacles. As the season approaches, both the Maranello team and Lewis Hamilton will need to address these issues promptly to ensure that his 2026 campaign starts on a strong footing.