Riccardo Adami: Lewis Hamilton’s New Race Engineer said he will…read more
Lewis Hamilton’s much-discussed move to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season has set the motorsport world abuzz. After an illustrious 11-year stint at Mercedes, where he cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats, the seven-time world champion has opted for a fresh challenge with Ferrari, one of Formula 1’s most iconic teams. Central to this transition is Riccardo Adami, Hamilton’s new race engineer, who will play a pivotal role in shaping this new chapter of Hamilton’s career.
Adami brings a wealth of experience to the partnership, with a long-standing career in Formula 1. Born in Italy in 1973, he graduated from the University of Brescia in 2001, driven by a deep passion for motorsport. His professional journey began in 2002 with Minardi, a team that would later evolve into Toro Rosso (and eventually AlphaTauri) following its acquisition by Red Bull. Adami’s dedication and technical acumen saw him rise rapidly through the ranks. By 2005, he had already established himself as a race engineer, working with top drivers and honing his expertise.
After a decade with Red Bull’s setup, Adami made the transition to Ferrari in 2015, coinciding with Sebastian Vettel’s move to the Italian team. The two shared a strong working relationship, having collaborated successfully at Red Bull. At Ferrari, Adami’s role was instrumental in supporting Vettel’s performances, helping the German driver secure wins and podium finishes during their time together. When Vettel left Ferrari for Aston Martin, Adami was paired with Carlos Sainz, another talented driver with whom he achieved notable success, including multiple podiums and victories.
Adami’s tenure with Sainz lasted four years, during which they built a strong rapport. However, with Sainz moving to Williams for the 2025 season, Adami now takes on the significant challenge of working with Lewis Hamilton. This new collaboration is set to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the upcoming season, given the contrasting experiences and expectations both bring to the table.
For Hamilton, this move signifies a major shift in his career. Having been a cornerstone of Mercedes’ dominance in Formula 1 since 2013, he has won six of his seven championships with the team. His partnership with his longtime race engineer, Peter Bonnington, was a cornerstone of his success, with the duo forming one of the most iconic pairings in the sport’s history. However, with Bonnington remaining at Mercedes, Hamilton must now build a new dynamic with Adami at Ferrari.
The transition poses unique challenges for both driver and engineer. Hamilton is accustomed to a high degree of influence and stability within the Mercedes setup, while Ferrari operates with a different culture and management style. The Italian team, with its rich history in Formula 1, has faced performance struggles in recent years, often falling short against dominant rivals like Red Bull and Mercedes. Adapting to these dynamics will require patience, adaptability, and mutual trust.
Nevertheless, the partnership also carries immense potential. Adami’s deep knowledge of Ferrari’s operations, combined with his technical expertise, will be crucial in helping Hamilton integrate into his new environment. Hamilton, known for his resilience and racing intelligence, will bring a wealth of experience and championship-winning pedigree to Ferrari. Together, they have the opportunity to elevate the team’s performance and challenge for top honors.
Ferrari’s decision to bring Hamilton on board signals a bold statement of intent. The team is determined to reclaim its position at the pinnacle of Formula 1, and Hamilton’s arrival aligns with their ambition. For Adami, working with a driver of Hamilton’s caliber is both a challenge and an opportunity to showcase his engineering acumen on the grandest stage.
As the 2025 season approaches, anticipation is building among fans and pundits alike. The combination of Hamilton’s relentless drive for success and Adami’s extensive experience with Ferrari promises to deliver captivating moments on and off the track. Their ability to navigate the challenges of this new partnership will likely determine Ferrari’s fortunes in the seasons to come.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks the beginning of an exciting new era in Formula 1. With the seven-time champion embarking on this high-profile adventure, the motorsport world will be watching closely to see how his collaboration with Adami unfolds. Both will need to bring their best to the table as they aim to write a new chapter of success for Ferrari and leave a lasting legacy in the sport.
