Hamilton fears ‘detrimental’ impact after Ferrari confirm risky change
The seven-time world champion faces immediate instability ahead of his second season in Italy.
Lewis Hamilton has warned that Ferrari’s decision to start the 2026 season without a permanent race engineer will be “detrimental” to his performance.
The British driver enters his second campaign with the Scuderia facing significant upheaval behind the scenes.
Riccardo Adami, who guided Hamilton through his challenging debut year at Maranello, was moved to a different role within the organisation in January.
However, the Italian giants have failed to secure a long-term replacement for the crucial communication role in time for the opening round.
It is understood that Carlo Santi has been appointed on an interim basis for pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Disruption in the garage
Speaking at the Sakhir circuit, the 41-year-old confirmed he faces another personnel switch just weeks into the new championship.
Hamilton believes this lack of continuity creates a significant hurdle before the lights go out in Melbourne.
“It’s actually quite a difficult period because it’s not long-term, the solution that we currently have, it’s only going to be a few races,” Hamilton said.
The veteran driver emphasised the danger of attempting to forge a vital working relationship in the heat of competition.
“So, early on into the season, it’s going to be switching up again, and I’ll have to learn to work with someone new,” he added.
“That’s detrimental to a season where you want to arrive with people that have done multiple seasons, have been through thick and thin and are calm.”
A difficult separation
Despite the frustration, the former Mercedes icon acknowledged the Prancing Horse is attempting to manage the transition smoothly.
“But it is the situation that I’m faced with and I’ll try to do the best that I can,” Hamilton admitted.
“The team is trying to do the best they can to make it as seamless as possible.”
Last season saw occasional friction over the airwaves as the grid’s most successful driver adjusted to life in red.
Yet, parting ways with Adami was not a choice taken lightly by either the driver or the constructor.
“With Riccardo, it was obviously a very difficult decision to make,” Hamilton explained.
“I’m really, really grateful for all the effort he put in last year and his patience in what was a difficult year for us all.”
The 2026 season begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 6.