Will Lewis Hamilton Get a New Race Engineer? Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur Hints at Major Changes Ahead!
In a stunning revelation that could reshape the landscape of Formula 1, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has ignited speculation about a potential shake-up in Lewis Hamilton’s race engineering team as the F1 2026 season approaches. Vasseur has revealed that the Scuderia is “evaluating all options,” leaving fans and experts alike questioning the future of Hamilton’s current race engineer, Riccardo Adami.
The whispers of change come on the heels of a tumultuous 2025 season for Hamilton, where the legendary seven-time world champion faced an unprecedented drought, failing to clinch a podium finish for the first time in his illustrious career. The statistics speak volumes: Hamilton finished a staggering 86 points behind his teammate, Charles Leclerc, in the overall standings. This dismal performance has led many to scrutinize the dynamics within the Ferrari garage, particularly the fraught relationship between Hamilton and Adami.
The pair’s contentious communication over team radio has become the stuff of legend—or perhaps infamy. One particularly memorable exchange occurred at the Miami Grand Prix, where Hamilton, clearly frustrated, snapped at Adami for speaking to him during crucial braking zones. In a moment of biting sarcasm, he suggested the pit wall should “have a tea break while you’re at it,” highlighting the tension that has marred their collaboration.
Things took a more somber turn at the Monaco Grand Prix when Hamilton, seeking clarity, asked Adami, “Are you upset with me or something?” to which there was no reply, further amplifying the sense of discord. Such interactions underline the critical need for stronger synergy within the team, a point Vasseur did not shy away from. In his candid assessment, he acknowledged that the disconnection between driver and engineer contributed significantly to Hamilton’s lackluster performance in 2025.
“We need to improve our collaboration,” Vasseur stated emphatically. “He needs to try to get more out of the car he has. Every detail counts.” He further emphasized the importance of mutual understanding, suggesting that both Hamilton and the team must adapt to each other’s needs for success.
Interestingly, Hamilton’s history reveals a stark contrast. During his 12 seasons at Mercedes, he exclusively worked with race engineer Peter Bonnington, who became a trusted ally. However, a ‘no-poaching clause’ in Hamilton’s previous contract meant that he could not bring Bonnington along to Ferrari. With Bonnington now serving as head of race engineering and guiding Hamilton’s replacement, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the door remains open for a new voice to step in.
The potential for a change in Hamilton’s race engineer aligns with the F1 narrative, where drivers often shift engineers in pursuit of better performance. Charles Leclerc himself experienced this shift when Bryan Bozzi took over as his race engineer in 2024, replacing Xavier Marcos Padros, who had been with Leclerc since 2019.
As the F1 community holds its breath, the question looms: will Lewis Hamilton embark on a new journey with a fresh race engineer, or will Riccardo Adami remain in the cockpit of communication? With Vasseur’s admission and the ongoing evaluation of options, the 2026 season could usher in a dramatic transformation for Hamilton and Ferrari. The stakes have never been higher!
