Ferrari is preparing to bring in a race engineer from McLaren to support Lewis Hamilton in the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season. The move aims to strengthen Hamilton’s technical team after a challenging first year with Ferrari, as the new F1 campaign will begin in March with 24 Grands Prix and six sprint races across various global venues.
What to Expect from the 2026 Formula 1 Season
The 2026 season will feature significant changes, including the introduction of new car designs focused more on active aerodynamics and the removal of the long-standing drag reduction system previously used since 2011. Engine regulations have also been updated, replacing the turbo hybrid units used since 2014 with power units that balance electrical and internal combustion output more evenly, notably removing the MGU-H component.
This week will see a private five-day test in Barcelona, where teams can choose any three days to run. These will be followed by two three-day public tests in Bahrain before competition begins at Melbourne’s Albert Park.
Hamilton’s Struggles and Ferrari’s Disappointment in 2025
Hamilton faced his most difficult season in Formula 1 last year after joining Ferrari, finishing sixth overall without a podium finish. His sole highlight was winning the Sprint Race in Shanghai, while his best Grand Prix result was fourth place. Ferrari, similarly, underperformed expectations by finishing fourth in the Constructors’ standings after closing 2024 as McLaren’s runners-up.
Changes in Ferrari’s Trackside Crew for Hamilton
Aside from on-track performance concerns, Ferrari is addressing Hamilton’s technical support team after parting ways with race engineer Ricciardo Adami earlier this year. Adami shifted focus to work with Ferrari’s Driver Academy, leaving the lead race engineer position open. Reports suggest the team will recruit Cedric Michel-Grosjean from McLaren, where he has recently worked on Oscar Piastri’s car. Grosjean, who previously served as McLaren’s Lead Trackside Performance Engineer, is expected to join Hamilton after a short gardening leave.
Hamilton has a long history with McLaren, having raced for the team from 2007 to 2012 and winning his first world championship in 2008, which adds a familiar dimension to this potential collaboration.
Implications and Outlook for Hamilton and Ferrari
This strategic adjustment is critical for Hamilton and Ferrari as they seek to regain competitiveness in a highly dynamic Formula 1 environment. With technical staff changes and updated car regulations, the 2026 season will test their ability to adapt and improve. The new race engineer could play a pivotal role in helping Hamilton navigate new challenges and restore Ferrari’s position as a front-runner in the championship.
