Lewis Hamilton is encountering significant team changes as he prepares for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with two important Ferrari staff members reportedly departing. The seven-time world champion, who has struggled throughout his first season with Ferrari, faces these challenges while aiming to improve his performance with the team’s upcoming SF-26 car.
Staff Losses Compound Hamilton’s Difficult First Year
At 41, Hamilton had a challenging debut campaign for Scuderia Ferrari, failing to secure a podium and ending well behind teammate Charles Leclerc, who finished the season with an 86-point advantage. The setbacks extend beyond the racetrack as Hamilton adapts to Ferrari’s technical and support staff shifts.
Reports reveal that Marc Hynes, Hamilton’s key logistics overseer and former British Formula Three champion, has parted ways with the Scuderia. Hynes previously served as chief executive of ‘Project 44’ between 2015 and 2021 and is expected to join new F1 team debutants Cadillac in a fresh role.
Additional Departures Impact Hamilton’s Off-Track Support
Alongside Hynes, Hamilton’s press officer, identified as Ella, has also left Ferrari, according to The Times’ Molly Hudson. These personnel changes add to the pressure on Hamilton as he seeks stability within the team ahead of the new season.
Furthermore, last month Riccardo Adami, Hamilton’s race engineer, was reassigned within Ferrari. A Scuderia statement announced,
“Scuderia Ferrari HP would like to thank Riccardo for his commitment and contribution to his trackside role and wishes him every success in his new position. The appointment of the new Race Engineer for car #44 will be announced in due course.”
Adami now supports the Ferrari Driver Academy, focusing on nurturing future talent and enhancing team performance culture, illustrating a shift in Hamilton’s technical framework.
Outlook on Hamilton’s Future at Ferrari
These double departures mark a turbulent period for Lewis Hamilton as he seeks to regroup and build momentum for 2026. The loss of key figures like Hynes and Ella, combined with engineering staff reorganization, signals a critical phase for Hamilton and Ferrari. Success in the coming season will depend not only on Hamilton’s driving but also on how effectively the Scuderia addresses these internal changes to support the driver’s ambitions.
Marc Hynes joining Cadillac full time (who he has worked with for a while), ending his role as part of Lewis Hamilton’s team. The pair are friends and the decision is amicable.
Ella (pictured below) Hamilton’s Ferrari press officer, is also understood to have departed #F1 pic.twitter.com/yPvkrKOJqa
— Molly Hudson (@M0lly_Writes) February 3, 2026
