F1: Ferrari confirms departure of Lewis Hamilton's race engineer "it was a long season, guys"

It's now official: the Scuderia Ferrari has confirmed the departure of Riccardo Adami from his position as race engineer to Lewis Hamilton. As of January 16, 2026, the Italian engineer will no longer be the voice of the number 44 car on the radio. A decision presented as a simple change of role, but which comes after a 2025 season marked by a professional relationship that never really flowed. Ferrari talks of strategic reorganization, skills enhancement and internal continuity. However, it's hard not to see this as the logical outcome of a partnership that never found its stride, despite the professionalism displayed by both sides.

A collaboration that never really took off

From the very first races of the 2025 season, the radio exchanges between Hamilton and Adami attracted a great deal of attention. Choppy messages, awkward silences, tactical misunderstandings... Grand Prix after Grand Prix failed to establish the natural connection that is so essential between a driver and his race engineer. Where Hamilton had built up an almost telepathic relationship with Peter Bonnington at Mercedes, he found himself at Ferrari with an engineer with a very different style: more technical, more selective with information, sometimes perceived as distant. Conversely, the Briton is known for his need for a constant flow of data and exchanges. Two methods, two cultures, two languages which, throughout the season, often seemed to cross paths without ever coming together.

"It's been a long season, boys": a final radio broadcast that carries a lot of meaning

The symbol of this failed collaboration undoubtedly came at the final Grand Prix of the season, in Abu Dhabi. After the chequered flag, Hamilton let out a tired and grateful message over the radio: "It's been a long season, guys. Thanks for all your hard work, I'll always be grateful." A few seconds of silence. Then an almost embarrassed reminder from the driver, before a belated reply from Adami. A seemingly innocuous exchange, but one that sums up twenty-four races of a relationship with no real chemistry. Professional to the end, but never obvious.

A new role for Riccardo Adami

Ferrari insists: this is not a case of being sidelined. Riccardo Adami joins the Ferrari Driver Academy as head of the TPC (Test Previous Cars) program and academic manager. This is a key role, designed to pass on his vast experience of the track to the young talent at Maranello. In his new position, Adami will be responsible for structuring apprenticeships, mentoring up-and-coming drivers and reinforcing the Scuderia's performance culture. An essential role as Ferrari prepares for the major regulatory upheavals of 2026.

And now, who will succeed Adami at Hamilton's?

For the moment, Ferrari is maintaining the suspense. No names have been released regarding Lewis Hamilton's future race engineer. One thing is certain: on the eve of a crucial 2026 season, marked by a major change in regulations and perhaps one of Hamilton's last chances of aiming for an eighth world title, the choice will be decisive. The seven-time world champion needs a voice he instinctively listens to, understands and respects. Ferrari knows this. This separation, however diplomatically presented, looks like a clear attempt to put all the odds back in his favor.