Martin Brundle has expressed his support for Ferrari’s recent decision to change Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer, stating that “something needed to change.” This shift comes after a series of disagreements between Hamilton and his engineer during the 2025 season, which was Hamilton’s inaugural year with the Scuderia. Riccardo Adami has been reassigned within the company, though a replacement has yet to be announced.
Brundle, a former Formula 1 driver and current pundit for Sky Sports F1, commented on this development on Wednesday. He noted, “I’m surprised it probably didn’t happen a bit earlier, really, judging by all the things that were going on last year.” His remarks highlight the challenges faced by Hamilton as he adapts to his new team.
As Hamilton prepares for the upcoming season, he is scheduled to take his first laps in the 2026 Formula 1 car next week during a private preseason test in Barcelona. Brundle emphasized the importance of aligning the engineering team with Hamilton’s unique communication style. “Lewis needs to go there with a team so that at least they understand ‘Lewis speak’ when he’s inside the car, what it all means, and to interpret what Lewis really needs behind the wheel,” he explained.
The pundit pointed out that, despite the team’s efforts to improve performance last season, the radio communications and overall results indicated that a change was essential. “Just listening to the radio and watching the performance, although they obviously put a varnish on it through last season, something needed to change,” Brundle added.
Ferrari is set to unveil its 2026 car on Friday, ahead of the first closed-door test. Following this, the team will participate in two three-day tests in Bahrain before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 8, 2026. Hamilton had a challenging first season with Ferrari, finishing sixth in the championship, marking the first time in his illustrious career that he did not secure a single podium finish.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Hamilton to see how the changes within Ferrari will influence his performance on the track. The team’s strategic adjustments aim to enhance collaboration and communication, which are vital components for success in the highly competitive environment of Formula 1.
