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 new role ahead of the 2026 Formula One season
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Lewis Hamilton will have a change to his team ahead of the new F1 season. (Image: Clive Rose, Getty Images)
Ferrari has revealed a role change for Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer, Riccardo Adami, ahead of the 2026 Formula One season. The 52-year-old served as the primary advisor to the British driver during his first season with ‘The Prancing Horse’, which was fraught with challenges.
In their statement regarding Adami’s new position, Ferrari said: “Riccardo Adami has moved to a new role within the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy as Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy and Test Previous Cars Manager, where his extensive trackside experience and F1 expertise contributes to the development of future talent and to strengthening performance culture across the programme.
“Scuderia Ferrari HP would like to thank Riccardo for his commitment and contribution to his trackside role and wishes him every success in his new position. The appointment of the new race engineer for car #44 will be announced in due course.”
There had been rumours about a potential dismissal for Adami following several tense moments between him and Hamilton throughout the season. Much of this tension was evident in the team radio exchanges between the pair, leading to many awkward moments as the seven-time world champion adjusted to his new team.
One of the most uncomfortable moments came during the final race of the season, when Hamilton tried to communicate with his team over the radio. He said: “Long season, guys… Thank you for your kindness, I’m grateful for all the hard work. I’ll always fight for you guys, always. That’s it.”
When he received no immediate response from his team, he quickly added: “Did you get that message? The one time you don’t reply,” appearing to take a dig at his engineer’s tendency to communicate with him during races.
Adami then replied: “Yea we got it. Sorry we were talking. Thank you very much, it was awesome working with you. Grazie Mille.”
This marked the final team radio exchange between the duo, with Hamilton now facing a change for next season that he hopes will bring improved results.
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It’s been confirmed that race engineer Riccardo Adami has changed roles. (Image: Bryn Lennon – Formula 1, Formula 1 via Getty Images)
The 41 year old concluded the 2025 season sixth in the drivers’ standings, accumulating just 152 points in what proved to be a challenging campaign. The British driver admitted it was possibly his toughest season yet, having seemed dejected throughout much of the year.
This led to speculation that Hamilton might retire from his lengthy F1 career, but he delivered a defiant message to those questioning his capabilities. “I wouldn’t say anything to them,” he stated in December when asked about doubters of his future.
“None of them have done what I’ve done, so they’re not even on my level.”
Hamilton is anticipated to join Charles Leclerc on the 2026 grid, with hopes of some improvement. Major regulation changes are on the horizon that could disrupt the pecking order once more, following McLaren’s supremacy last year.
Cars are expected to be smaller and lighter, with a greater emphasis on the power units used by each team. Electric power will be increased, aiming for a 50/50 split with the internal combustion engine.
The drag reduction system (DRS) will be phased out in favour of the aero active system.
It’s yet to be determined how competitive Ferrari’s package will be, as the new designs for all cars on the grid are set to be revealed in the coming weeks.
