The honeymoon phase is officially over, and the gloves are off at Maranello. In a move that signals a seismic shift in the power dynamics within the Scuderia, Lewis Hamilton’s tenure at Ferrari has just undergone its first major surgical procedure. Following a 2025 season marred by friction, awkward radio silences, and strategic disconnects, Riccardo Adami—the man tasked with guiding the seven-time world champion—has been unceremoniously removed from his post.
But this isn’t just a simple staffing change; it is a declaration of intent. As we look toward the 2026 season, the narrative isn’t just about who is leaving, but who is arriving, and the terrifying technical warfare brewing in the background that could leave giants like Aston Martin in the dust.
The Adami Axing: A Long Time Coming
For those who listened closely to the team radio throughout the last season, the news of Riccardo Adami’s removal comes as little surprise. The partnership, which was publicly touted as “fine,” was privately crumbling under the weight of miscommunication. The tension reached its zenith at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In a moment that painfully encapsulated their dysfunctional dynamic, Hamilton, in the midst of a fierce comeback drive, was fed information he deemed irrelevant. “I know I’m racing him,” Hamilton snapped, a clear sign of a driver who felt his engineer was not adding value to the fight. Even more damning was the post-race silence. After Hamilton radioed in to thank the team for their hard work despite a tough season, he was met with dead air. Adami’s delayed response—“Sorry mate, I was talking to the team”—felt like the final nail in the coffin.
Ferrari has acted decisively. Adami has not just been shuffled sideways; he has been “heavily demoted.” No longer on the pit wall for the main team, he has been reassigned to the Ferrari Driver Academy and the “Testing Previous Cars” (TPC) program. It is a stark fall from grace for a man who once guided Sebastian Vettel, and a clear message from Ferrari management: Lewis Hamilton’s voice carries weight, and the status quo is no longer acceptable.
The Mercedes Connection: Enter Luca D’alla
With Adami out, the paddock is buzzing with the identity of his replacement. While sentimental fans hoped for a reunion with Peter “Bono” Bonington, contractual “gardening leave” makes that impossible. Instead, Ferrari seems poised to play a masterstroke by promoting from within, but with a distinct Mercedes flavor.
The frontrunner for the role is Luca D’alla.
To the casual observer, the name might not ring a bell, but to Hamilton, D’alla is a cornerstone of trust. Having worked as Hamilton’s trackside performance engineer at Mercedes from 2021 to 2025, D’alla followed the Briton to Ferrari, serving in a performance capacity since Silverstone of last year. He knows how Hamilton works, he understands the terminology Hamilton uses, and most importantly, he has earned the champion’s respect.
Promoting D’alla to the Race Engineer seat would essentially replicate the comfort zone Hamilton enjoyed at Mercedes. It suggests that Ferrari is finally willing to mold its operational structure around its star driver, rather than forcing the driver to adapt to the rigidity of “The Ferrari Way.” If confirmed, this duo could fix the critical communication breakdown that plagued Hamilton’s maiden season in red.
The 2026 Technical War: Alpine and Audi’s Secret Weapon
While the personnel drama grabs the headlines, a far more significant battle is being fought in the factories: the war on weight. The 2026 regulations have introduced a new challenge, and early reports suggest a shocking disparity in readiness across the grid.
According to emerging intel, only two teams have successfully hit the minimum weight limit of 678kg: Audi and Alpine.
This is a massive development. In the world of Formula 1, weight is lap time. Rumors indicate that rivals like Aston Martin are currently sitting a staggering 15kg over the limit. To put that in perspective, 10kg is roughly equivalent to 0.3 seconds per lap. If Aston Martin is truly 15kg overweight, they could be starting the season with a handicap of nearly half a second per lap before a wheel is even turned.
For Alpine, a team that has struggled with engine performance in the past, this chassis efficiency—paired with their switch to Mercedes power units—could make them the dark horse of the season. For Audi, the newcomers, hitting the weight limit on their debut is a statement of serious engineering intent. The implication is clear: the 2026 pecking order could be wildly different from what we expect, decided not just by aerodynamics, but by who managed to put their car on a diet.
Cadillac Fires Up: The Sound of the Future
Speaking of newcomers, the American dream is alive and kicking. Cadillac has officially fired up their challenger, albeit with a Ferrari power unit for the time being. The footage emerging from Silverstone and upcoming tests at Fiorano gives us our first sensory taste of the new era.
The audio is distinct—different from the power units of the previous cycle—sparking debate among fans and analysts. Visually, the 2026 cars are striking. Initial images of the Cadillac show a design philosophy that leans heavily towards the “Racing Bulls” sidepod concept, featuring a dramatic down-slope towards the rear, in stark contrast to the high-waisted designs seen on recent Audis.
However, the visuals also highlight the “comic” proportions of the new regulations, specifically the rear wheels, which look massive against the slightly smaller chassis. While Cadillac is expected to start as underdogs, their presence on track, firing up engines and turning wheels, injects a fresh excitement into the sport. They are real, they are here, and they are learning fast.
The Verstappen-Wolff Alliance?
Finally, in a subplot that will send conspiracy theorists into overdrive, the relationship between Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen appears to be thawing—warmly.
Verstappen, a racing addict, is keen to compete in the NLS series at the Nürburgring, specifically the 24-hour race. However, the schedule clashes with his F1 commitments. Enter Toto Wolff. The Mercedes CEO is reportedly advocating for the NLS season opener to be postponed specifically to allow Verstappen to compete—in a Mercedes AMG GT3.
Why is the Mercedes boss bending over backwards to accommodate the Red Bull champion? It’s a move that screams “long game.” By facilitating Verstappen’s passion projects and building a rapport, Wolff is keeping the door firmly open for a future where Max might trade his Red Bull blues for Silver Arrows. It is a subtle, strategic charm offensive that could define the driver market in the years to come.
Conclusion
As we barrel towards the 2026 season opener, the stakes have never been higher. Ferrari is undergoing a ruthless internal restructuring to appease Lewis Hamilton. Alpine and Audi are threatening to upset the hierarchy through sheer engineering efficiency. And in the background, the political chess match for the future of Max Verstappen has already begun.
The 2025 season might have been a “controversial” disappointment for the Hamilton-Ferrari union, but the changes being made now prove one thing: they are not accepting defeat. The removal of Riccardo Adami is the first step in a revolution. The question remains—will it be enough to bring the championship back to Maranello?