Ferrari confirm role change in statement after Lewis Hamilton sack decision

Ferrari have confirmed that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer Riccardo Adami has moved to a brand new position forward of the 2026 System One season

Ferrari has revealed a job change for Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer, Riccardo Adami, forward of the 2026 System One season. The 52-year-old served as the first advisor to the British driver throughout his first season with ‘The Prancing Horse’, which was fraught with challenges.

Of their assertion relating to Adami’s new place, Ferrari stated: “Riccardo Adami has moved to a brand new position throughout the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy as Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy and Check Earlier Vehicles Supervisor, the place his in depth trackside expertise and F1 experience contributes to the event of future expertise and to strengthening efficiency tradition throughout the programme.

“Scuderia Ferrari HP wish to thank Riccardo for his dedication and contribution to his trackside position and needs him each success in his new place. The appointment of the brand new race engineer for automobile #44 might be introduced sooner or later.”

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There had been rumours a few potential dismissal for Adami following a number of tense moments between him and Hamilton all through the season. A lot of this pressure was evident within the group radio exchanges between the pair, resulting in many awkward moments because the seven-time world champion adjusted to his new group.

Some of the uncomfortable moments got here throughout the ultimate race of the season, when Hamilton tried to speak along with his group over the radio. He stated: “Lengthy season, guys… Thanks on your kindness, I am grateful for all of the arduous work. I will all the time struggle for you guys, all the time. That is it.”

When he acquired no rapid response from his group, he shortly added: “Did you get that message? The one time you do not reply,” showing to take a dig at his engineer’s tendency to speak with him throughout races.

Adami then replied: “Yea we acquired it. Sorry we have been speaking. Thanks very a lot, it was superior working with you. Grazie Mille.”

This marked the ultimate group radio alternate between the duo, with Hamilton now going through a change for subsequent season that he hopes will carry improved outcomes.

The 41 yr previous concluded the 2025 season sixth within the drivers’ standings, accumulating simply 152 factors in what proved to be a difficult marketing campaign. The British driver admitted it was presumably his hardest season but, having appeared dejected all through a lot of the yr.

This led to hypothesis that Hamilton would possibly retire from his prolonged F1 profession, however he delivered a defiant message to these questioning his capabilities. “I would not say something to them,” he said in December when requested about doubters of his future.

“None of them have finished what I’ve finished, so they are not even on my degree.”

Hamilton is anticipated to affix Charles Leclerc on the 2026 grid, with hopes of some enchancment. Main regulation modifications are on the horizon that would disrupt the pecking order as soon as extra, following McLaren’s supremacy final yr.

Vehicles are anticipated to be smaller and lighter, with a better emphasis on the ability items utilized by every group. Electrical energy might be elevated, aiming for a 50/50 cut up with the interior combustion engine.

The drag discount system (DRS) might be phased out in favour of the aero energetic system.

It is but to be decided how aggressive Ferrari’s package deal might be, as the brand new designs for all vehicles on the grid are set to be revealed within the coming weeks.