Lewis Hamilton finally has something to celebrate at Ferrari after a challenging start to his time with the Italian team. Since making his blockbuster switch from Mercedes ahead of the 2025 season, the seven-time world champion has faced several obstacles, including the task of building a new relationship with a race engineer following the departure from long-time collaborator Peter “Bono” Bonnington.
Now, Hamilton says Ferrari have made significant progress, revealing that he has found a strong connection with his new race engineer. The British driver described the development as a major step forward, giving him greater confidence as Ferrari continue their push for success in 2026.
The improved partnership is viewed as an important boost for both Hamilton and Ferrari, with effective communication between driver and engineer often playing a crucial role in achieving strong results on track. After months of adjustment, the signs suggest Hamilton is becoming increasingly settled within his new team.
Meanwhile, Mercedes were handed an FIA punishment following an incident involving George Russell during the opening practice session at the Monaco Grand Prix. The stewards reviewed the matter and concluded that the team had breached the regulations, resulting in a penalty being issued.
Although the sanction was relatively minor, it serves as a warning to Mercedes as they navigate one of the most demanding weekends on the Formula 1 calendar. With Monaco’s narrow streets leaving little room for error, teams must ensure they remain fully compliant with FIA rules throughout the event.
As attention turns to qualifying, Ferrari will be encouraged by Hamilton’s growing comfort within the team, while Mercedes will be hoping to move on quickly from their FIA setback and focus on securing a competitive result in Monaco.
