Brundle: Hamilton's Ferrari Engineer Swap Should Have Happened Sooner

Martin Brundle believes the split between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari race engineer Riccardo Adami should have occurred sooner, arguing that a change in dynamic was necessary for the seven-time champion's success. Speaking at the Autosport Awards, the Sky Sports pundit noted visible friction throughout the 2025 season and emphasized the importance of Hamilton finding a team that truly understands his unique communication style.

Why it matters:

The relationship between a driver and their race engineer is the backbone of performance in Formula 1. After 12 years of seamless communication with Peter Bonnington at Mercedes, Hamilton struggled to replicate that synergy with Adami. Brundle’s comments highlight that resolving this interpersonal and technical disconnect is critical for Ferrari to maximize Hamilton's potential as they aim for the 2026 title.

The details:

• Timing of the split: Brundle expressed surprise that the change didn't happen earlier, stating that despite the team putting a "varnish" on the situation publicly, it was clear "something needed to change."
• Communication barrier: Hamilton requires engineers who understand "Lewis speak"—his specific feedback and needs while behind the wheel. Brundle suggested this understanding was lacking with Adami.
• The Mercedes benchmark: The contrast with Hamilton's previous setup is stark. Peter Bonnington, his engineer for over a decade, remains at Mercedes as a senior figure and mentor to rookie Kimi Antonelli, underscoring the stability Hamilton left behind.
• Interim measures: Carlo Santi will serve as the interim engineer during the upcoming Barcelona test while Ferrari searches for a permanent replacement.

What's next:

Ferrari is actively seeking a long-term solution, with rumors swirling about the potential recruitment of a former McLaren employee to fill the void. As the 2026 season approaches, the Scuderia's priority will be ensuring Hamilton has the right support structure to translate his experience into on-track results.