F1 Rumor: Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Race Engineer Revealed as Mastermind Behind Carlos Sainz Joins the Knight

Ferrari is on a mission to climb to the top in Formula 1. According to feedback gathered after the first two races of 2024, their car, the SF-24, is satisfying both technicians and drivers. While it may not be the outright best car on the track, it’s certainly holding its own against Red Bull‘s all-conquering, RB20. This is a promising sign for the team, which is in preparation for the arrival of Lewis Hamilton in 2025 alongside Charles Leclerc. Hamilton, a 7-time world champion, brings his extensive experience and valuable knowledge gained from his successful tenure at Mercedes. However, Lewis will have to say goodbye to his long-time friend and race engineer, Peter Bonnington.

It was initially suggested that important technical figures from Mercedes might consider switching teams, drawn by the idea of working for Ferrari in Italy. However, contractual clauses, like the “anti-poaching” provision in Hamilton’s contract, prevent the Brit from taking members of his crew to Maranello. Instead, Ferrari is rumored to have confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will be paired with Riccardo Adami, the current race engineer for Carlos Sainz, and will be hoping for a successful partnership between the two.

As for Adami, he’s described as a competent engineer with a calm demeanor. Having worked with Sebastian Vettel for six years, Adami has proven himself as a valuable asset to the team. His ability to remain composed under pressure and provide unwavering support to drivers has earned him respect within the paddock. Recently, he demonstrated his skill by guiding young British driver Oliver Bearman through his debut in Formula 1, showcasing his expertise both technically and emotionally.

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Apart from that, the other aspect that has got fans talking about is Hamilton’s eventual arrival to Ferrari. However, a former F1 driver believes the Brit doesn’t have much to offer to the Maranello squad.

Ralf Schumacher questions Lewis Hamilton’s value to Ferrari

In a recent conversation with formel1.de, Ralf Schumacher expressed doubts about what Lewis Hamilton could bring to Ferrari, suggesting that the Italian team is already on the path to success. He compared Hamilton unfavorably to current champion Max Verstappen, suggesting that the 39-year-old is no longer the top dog in F1.

Schumacher’s concerns also echo comments made by Flavio Briatore, Fernando Alonso‘s manager, who suggested that Hamilton’s performance is closely tied to the competitiveness of his car. This raises questions about Hamilton’s adaptability to the changing landscape of Formula 1, particularly with the introduction of new rules that may alter driving styles. “Hamilton is of course a seven-time World Champion and a fantastic driver,” Schumacher was quoted by Express. “But I don’t think he has the qualities that Verstappen has. I don’t think he is as consistent as Verstappen. And he cannot get that extra tenth out at any cost,” he added.

Whether Hamilton can rise to the occasion and elevate Ferrari to new heights remains to be seen, but his arrival undoubtedly adds an intriguing dynamic to the 2025 season.