Ferrari confirmed last week that Lewis Hamilton will be working with a new race engineer for the upcoming Formula 1 season, bringing an end to a partnership that struggled throughout his first year with the Scuderia. The decision follows a debut campaign in red that was frequently undermined by communication difficulties, an issue that became increasingly visible as the season progressed.
Within Formula 1, the race engineer is one of the most crucial figures in a driver’s immediate working environment. This role goes far beyond relaying lap times or strategy calls: it is about translating feedback, anticipating needs, and building a shared language that allows the driver to perform at their absolute limit. When that understanding is missing, executing a competitive race strategy becomes extremely difficult, regardless of the car’s potential.
For Lewis Hamilton, this aspect proved to be one of the main frustrations during his maiden season at Maranello. The lack of natural chemistry between the seven-time world champion and his race engineer Riccardo Adami was apparent during team radio exchanges, which often sounded strained or disconnected. As the year went on, it became clear that Ferrari faced a structural issue rather than a series of isolated misunderstandings, ultimately forcing the team to intervene and rethink its approach.
Martin Brundle surprised Ferrari did not act sooner
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 during the red carpet event at the 2026 Autosport Awards, former Formula 1 driver and respected pundit Martin Brundle shared his perspective on Ferrari’s decision to change Hamilton’s race engineer. Brundle admitted that he was surprised the Scuderia had not made the move earlier, given the issues that had been evident throughout the previous season.
According to Brundle, the signs were already there when listening to the team radio exchanges and observing Hamilton’s on-track performances. He explained that, from his point of view, Hamilton ideally needs to be surrounded by a group of people who fully understand how he communicates from inside the cockpit. Brundle highlighted the importance of what he described as “Lewis speak”, suggesting that interpreting Hamilton’s feedback correctly is essential in order to give him exactly what he needs behind the wheel.
Brundle also suggested that Hamilton required additional support to allow him to settle quickly and truly flourish in his new environment at Ferrari. While acknowledging that the team had attempted to maintain a positive public image throughout the season, he felt that it was obvious something within the working relationship needed to change. In his assessment, the combination of radio communication and overall performance made it clear that adjustments behind the scenes were unavoidable.
At present, Ferrari have not officially announced who will replace Adami as Hamilton’s race engineer for the upcoming campaign. However, sources close to the situation indicate that there is virtually no possibility of Ferrari reuniting Hamilton with his long-time Mercedes race engineer Peter Bonnington, despite widespread speculation among fans.
Jackie Stewart reflects on Hamilton’s long-term future
The discussion around Hamilton’s situation extended beyond Ferrari’s internal changes, as three-time Formula 1 world champion Jackie Stewart also shared his thoughts at the same awards ceremony. Stewart was asked to reflect on what the future might hold for the 41-year-old Briton, particularly after a challenging season marked by adaptation and transition.
Stewart praised Hamilton’s extraordinary career and record in Formula 1, describing him as one of the greatest drivers the sport has ever seen. He acknowledged that the season Hamilton experienced must have been extremely demanding, but noted that the way he handled those difficulties demonstrated his professionalism and resilience.
While Stewart admitted he was not aware of the exact length or details of Hamilton’s current Ferrari contract, he stressed that retirement is ultimately a deeply personal decision. Drawing on his own experience, Stewart recalled how he had decided relatively early in a season that it would be his last in Formula 1, a choice he felt was absolutely right for him at the time.
In Stewart’s view, Lewis Hamilton will make his own judgment about when the moment is right to step away from the sport. He also expressed the belief that, even once Hamilton eventually retires from racing, he is likely to remain involved in Formula 1 in some capacity. For now, Stewart suggested, the focus should remain on watching how the Briton’s Ferrari chapter unfolds, leaving any long-term conclusions for the future.
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