Lewis Hamilton is expected to work with a temporary race engineer during Ferrari’s early 2026 test sessions, as the team finalizes a permanent appointment. Reports from Italian media indicate that Carlo Santi will take on the role for the upcoming group test in Barcelona, supported by Brian Bozzi, who typically serves as race engineer for Charles Leclerc. This arrangement is seen as a short-term solution while Ferrari prepares a longer-term plan for Hamilton’s technical team.
Anticipated Permanent Engineer and Team Adjustments
The official race engineer position for Hamilton remains open, with Ferrari using the Barcelona test to bridge the gap while formally organizing their support around the seven-time world champion. Cedric Michel-Grosjean, formerly McLaren’s lead performance engineer, is anticipated to join Ferrari following the conclusion of his gardening leave. Michel-Grosjean brings nearly a decade of experience from McLaren, including work with driver Oscar Piastri during the 2023 season.
Hamilton’s Positive Outlook After Ferrari’s Early SF-26 Run
Hamilton expressed enthusiasm following the brief shakedown of Ferrari’s SF-26 at Fiorano.
If you look at my interviews from other years, I would never say I was excited, but now I am very excited, looking forward to a new beginning,
he remarked.
I’ve had to focus a lot to be able to reset, to have a good break, even though it’s been the shortest we’ve ever had. I’m looking forward to the first test. It’s great to be with Ferrari.
Team Assurance and Expert Opinions on Hamilton’s Prospects
Despite footage showing Hamilton’s car being returned to the garage after a brief run, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed there were no issues during testing.
The test went without a problem, exactly as we had imagined,
Vasseur stated.
Ross Brawn, former Ferrari technical director familiar with Hamilton from Mercedes, believes Hamilton can still perform at his highest level if given the right motivation and opportunities.
If he gets some incentives and if he sees that there’s a chance, then I think we’ll see Lewis at his best,
Brawn said.
Significance of Engineering Support for Hamilton’s 2026 Campaign
Securing the right race engineer is critical for Hamilton as he begins his new chapter with Ferrari. The temporary assignment of Carlo Santi allows the team to proceed with necessary preparations, while the arrival of Cedric Michel-Grosjean promises more stability and expertise once available. Hamilton’s renewed excitement and Ferrari’s confidence in their test progress signal a thoughtful approach to integrating the driver into their 2026 program. Observers will watch closely how the finalization of Hamilton’s technical team influences his performance in the upcoming season.
