Frustration Between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari Engineer Riccardo Adami at Australian after…read more
Lewis Hamilton’s radio exchanges with his new Ferrari race engineer, Riccardo Adami, at the Australian Grand Prix revealed signs of frustration amid a difficult race debut for the seven-time World Champion. Hamilton finished the race in 10th place, two spots behind his new Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, marking a challenging start to his Ferrari career.
Frustrations with Car Handling and Advice
Throughout the race, the tone of Hamilton’s radio messages to Adami caught attention, highlighting the tension in their communication. Early on, Hamilton communicated issues with the car’s handling, saying, “Let me know where I am slow. Struggling with driveability. The car is snappy,” signaling difficulties with the car’s stability. Adami promptly responded, indicating that the problem seemed most apparent in Turns 11 and 12. While the engineer’s input was intended to provide guidance, it quickly became apparent that Hamilton was not entirely receptive to the suggestions.
Clashing Over Engine Settings and Strategy
At one point, Adami offered an engine setting adjustment, suggesting, “You can use K1 when you are close.” However, Hamilton’s response, “Leave me to it, please,” conveyed his desire for more autonomy in managing his car. Despite Adami’s repeated suggestions, Hamilton was firm, responding again with, “Yes, I know. Leave me to it, please,” signaling his frustration at being micro-managed.
As the race progressed, Hamilton reported a technical issue, saying there was a “lost gear sync,” and soon afterward, Adami attempted to guide him again with advice concerning the DRS (Drag Reduction System). Hamilton sharply responded, “Please leave it! Just leave me to it with the DRS. It’s not an issue.” He appeared to be frustrated by the continuous instructions, as if he felt they were unnecessary or counterproductive. Adami continued, suggesting, “Try to hold the K1. Just for practice. I know it’s difficult,” but Hamilton’s frustration was evident when he responded, “I’m not close enough! I’m not close enough. When I’m close, I’ll do it.”
Frustration Over Race Strategy and Weather Conditions
Hamilton’s tension with the team peaked later when he questioned weather forecasts via radio, asking, “I thought you said it wasn’t going to rain much? We just missed a big opportunity there.” This remark highlighted Hamilton’s frustration over missed race opportunities, possibly linked to the shifting conditions and the team’s strategy.
Conclusion: Challenges in Hamilton’s New Partnership with Ferrari
The exchanges between Hamilton and Adami shed light on a challenging relationship at this early stage in the partnership. Hamilton, accustomed to the high demands of his racing career, showed signs of dissatisfaction with the way he was being managed by his new engineer. These radio conversations exposed the complexities of working with a new team and engineer and may point to ongoing adjustments that both Hamilton and Ferrari will need to make as the season progresses.
