Lewis Hamilton has finalized his decision regarding his ongoing collaboration with race engineer Riccardo Adami for the 2026 Formula 1 season, ensuring continuity with Ferrari as the team heads into a pivotal year. This Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 2026 decision follows private conversations between Hamilton and Adami, culminating in what was described as a highly constructive dinner held after the conclusion of the 2025 racing calendar.
Throughout his first year at Ferrari, Hamilton encountered significant communication issues within the organization, contrasting with the well-established rapport he enjoyed at Mercedes over more than ten seasons. During his tenure at Mercedes, Hamilton worked closely with Peter Bonnington, strengthening a partnership that delivered consistent success and familiarity. With Bonnington now mentoring rookie Kimi Antonelli, the dynamics in Hamilton’s new environment shifted considerably.
Persistent concerns emerged during the 2025 season over Hamilton’s ability to fully connect with Adami, prompting speculation that Ferrari might modify the composition of his engineering team. Hamilton himself acknowledged the need to assess certain elements of his technical setup once the year ended, as it became clear that refinements would be needed to optimize performance moving forward.
Reports from AutoRacer IT have confirmed that Riccardo Adami will retain his position as Hamilton’s race engineer for the 2026 campaign. The decision was reportedly sealed following an in-depth conversation and planning session during a private dinner between Hamilton and Adami. The two are understood to have discussed their working relationship, outlined new strategies, and expressed mutual confidence for the year ahead.
Challenges During Hamilton’s First Season with Ferrari
The 2025 season proved to be one of the most challenging in Hamilton’s distinguished career, as he ended the championship ranked sixth among the drivers. A sole highlight came in China, where Hamilton captured victory in the sprint event. Outside of that performance, the veteran experienced a winless run in standard-length grand prix races for the first time in his nineteen seasons in Formula 1, failing to secure even a single podium finish.
Both team and driver are now looking ahead to 2026, hoping to capitalize on incoming regulation changes and a move away from the ground effect era—a period which has regularly posed difficulties for Hamilton. The Briton will seek to rebuild momentum and recapture the winning form that defined much of his career.
Max Verstappen Offers Perspective on Hamilton’s Ferrari Struggles
On the topic of Hamilton’s adaptation at Ferrari, rival driver Max Verstappen has publicly addressed the factors he believes have impacted the British champion’s adjustment period. Verstappen referenced the complexities involved in leaving a well-established environment like Mercedes, noting the emotional and professional hurdles associated with transitioning to a new team culture.
“If you don’t feel secure or comfortable within the team dynamic you cannot be yourself and that has an impact. You leave a team that has been your second family in Mercedes and you have built up such a career with them.”
said Verstappen. [via Press Association]
“Everyone benefitted off that, Mercedes and Lewis, and then going in a completely different route is not easy, plus you are going up against a guy that has been there for a while. It is very tough,”
he added.
Verstappen also suggested that Hamilton’s age could be a contributing element, observing that while the forty-year-old driver is not necessarily losing speed, improvements become harder to achieve as competitors like Charles Leclerc continue to make gains each season. Leclerc’s established position at Ferrari adds another layer of complexity to Hamilton’s journey in adapting to the team’s systems and expectations.
What Hamilton’s Decision Means for Ferrari’s Future
With Hamilton and Adami set to maintain their partnership into 2026, Ferrari will benefit from stability during a crucial transitional period marked by fresh technical regulations. The experience and shared understanding between the seven-time world champion and his race engineer could play a vital role as the Scuderia seeks to return to competitive form. For Hamilton, the Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 2026 decision represents a chance to forge deeper connections with his team and address the challenges that slowed his progress in his debut year with Ferrari.
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