Lewis Hamilton has been encouraged to strengthen his working relationship with Ferrari race engineer Riccardo Adami, amid ongoing concerns about team communication ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Lewis Hamilton Ferrari relationship has come under scrutiny following a series of strained interactions and a challenging year on and off the racetrack.
Calls for Rebuilding Team Dynamics
Tensions between Hamilton and Adami rose throughout the 2025 season, marked by a series of awkward radio conversations and clear discomfort from Hamilton, who has not connected with Adami as smoothly as he previously did with Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington at Mercedes. Despite speculation, Ferrari has chosen to retain Adami as Hamilton’s race engineer for 2026, the final season covered by Hamilton’s current contract with the iconic Italian team.
Hamilton’s 2025 campaign ended without a single podium finish and a sixth-place spot in the drivers’ championship, trailing significantly behind teammate Charles Leclerc. Given these results, both Ferrari and outside observers are eager to see improved collaboration within the team’s garage. Ralf Schumacher, a former F1 driver, has weighed in, recommending a unique solution to bridge the gap between Hamilton and Adami before the start of the next season.
“I don’t know if you should hold that against anyone. Hamilton should have been a bit less public about it. Basically, I think he and his engineer should go on vacation together. They just don’t get along. That’s a huge disadvantage.”
— Ralf Schumacher, Former F1 Driver
Strained Communication Evident at Key Races
Frustration surfaced early in the 2025 campaign: At the Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton appeared perplexed by a lack of guidance from Adami during critical moments. The discord became more public at the Miami Grand Prix, where Hamilton’s pointed remark to “take a tea break” revealed his agitation with race management decisions—particularly with not being allowed to overtake teammate Leclerc.
The Monaco Grand Prix brought further evidence of a rocky partnership. Broadcast audio suggested Hamilton felt ignored when he asked Adami if there was an issue between them, only for Ferrari to later clarify that Adami had left the pit wall prior to the exchange. These incidents highlighted persistent communication challenges for the seven-time world champion and his engineering team.
Efforts Underway to Repair Relationship
Amid mounting pressure, there are indications that Hamilton and Adami are seeking common ground. Italian media have reported a constructive dinner meeting between the pair, during which they discussed strategies to improve their working relationship heading into the crucial 2026 season. Meanwhile, criticisms from figures such as former Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene over Hamilton’s communication methods were met with perspective from Schumacher, who acknowledged the evolving nature of technical exchanges between drivers and teams.
As Ferrari prepares for a season that could determine the future of both Hamilton and the team, the spotlight remains on their ability to resolve internal frictions. Should Hamilton and Adami find a functional partnership, it could be pivotal for both the driver’s legacy and Ferrari’s championship ambitions. Otherwise, ongoing disconnect may pose a significant obstacle to returning to the top of the Formula 1 standings.
