Tensions are running high at Scuderia Ferrari after Lewis Hamilton publicly admitted that his current engineering setup is suboptimal. Although the seven-time world champion claims he is trying his best to adapt, team principal Frédéric Vasseur has made it clear that he is growing weary of what he perceives as an exaggerated narrative.
At the heart of the issue is a seemingly simple yet crucial question: who is Hamilton’s race engineer?
Still no long-term engineer for Hamilton
After the 2025 season, Hamilton’s race engineer, Riccardo Adami, was reassigned within Ferrari. In the meantime, Hamilton has been working with Bryan Bozzi, who also serves as race engineer to Charles Leclerc. This arrangement is temporary, however.
Hamilton has not hidden the fact that the uncertainty is challenging.
“First of all, I want to say I am truly very grateful for all the effort Riccardo put in for me last year, and for his patience,” Hamilton explained. “It was simply a difficult year for all of us.”
But, gratitude aside, the situation remains unresolved.
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Hamilton: “It’s a tricky phase for me”
Hamilton described the current setup as a stopgap rather than a long-term solution.
“This is a rather tricky phase for me because the current solution isn’t long-term,” he said. “It will only last for a few races. Therefore, I’ll be changing my pitwall guy again early in the season and will have to learn to work with someone new.”
In Formula 1, the relationship between the driver and engineer is fundamental. Effective communication during practice, qualifying and races can influence strategy, tyre management and split-second decisions. Stability in that partnership is often considered a competitive advantage.
Hamilton was frank about the potential downside.
“This is obviously a disadvantage. But that’s the situation I’m in, and I’ll try to do my best.”
The message was not explosive, nor did it contain any direct criticism of individuals. However, it was enough to spark headlines and a sharp response from his team boss.
READ MORE – “This is ridiculous” Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari ‘Truth Bomb’ in Bahrain
Vasseur hits back at Hamilton: ‘That’s not the discussion.’
When asked about Hamilton’s comments during testing in Bahrain, Vasseur reacted defensively.
“That’s not the discussion we’re having,” he insisted. “The cooperation between the team, Lewis and the pit wall is very good.”
According to Vasseur, there is no crisis inside the garage. In fact, he sees a positive and motivated driver.
“I saw a confident Hamilton in Bahrain with a very good attitude,” he added. “The attitude is to do a better job tomorrow than today. If there are areas where we can improve, we will continue working in that direction. But Lewis was very positive about it.”
The Ferrari chief was clearly keen to shift the focus away from personnel changes and back to performance.
READ MORE – 8th Title Chances? Lewis Hamilton Stunned by 2026 F1 Cars
Vasseur: “Stop with this story!”
When pressed further on the subject, Vasseur appeared to lose his patience.
“Please stop with this story!” he said.
He pointed out that change is constant in Formula 1, among both engineers and senior leadership.
“There are 22 cars in the paddock. Every year, about six or seven new engineers join, and we’ve also seen many changes among the team principals,” he explained. “I’m probably the oldest, along with Toto Wolff. Three or four team principals change every year, but that doesn’t mean the end of the team.”
In other words, turnover is part of the sport’s DNA.
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“It’s about 1,500 people.”
Vasseur expanded on this, reminding observers that modern Formula 1 teams are vast operations.
“A team today consists of around 1,500 people. It’s not just about a race engineer,” he said. “Formula 1 is always about the team, never about an individual.”
This comment highlights Ferrari’s philosophy, or at least the one Vasseur has to project publicly. No driver, engineer or team principal is more important than the organisation as a whole.
Nevertheless, in a sport where milliseconds matter, continuity can be invaluable. Hamilton’s concern is understandable from a competitive standpoint. Vasseur’s frustration is equally clear, especially when considering the pressure both he and Hamilton are under to improve.
NEXT ARTICLE – Horner Linked to £2.5 Billion Alpine Takeover
Christian Horner is connected to the £2.5 billion takeover of Alpine – Former Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner is at the centre of growing speculation surrounding a potential £2.5 billion takeover of Alpine, with discussions ongoing with investment firm MSP Sports Capital.
The 52-year-old Briton is reportedly considering a return to Formula 1 in a different capacity, not as an employee, but as a controlling stakeholder. If the deal materialises, it would be one of the most significant shifts in ownership in the history of modern F1 and could reshape Alpine’s long-term future.
Talks with Existing Shareholders
Back in January, Alpine confirmed that Horner was part of a group interested in acquiring the 24 per cent stake currently held by Otro Capital. The remaining 76 per cent is owned by parent company Renault Group.
At the time, Alpine clarified that discussions were taking place directly with shareholders rather than with the team management.
“All approaches or discussions are with the existing shareholders, Otro Capital (24%) and Renault Group (76%), and not directly with Flavio Briatore or the team,” read the statement.
According to Sky News, the potential deal would value Alpine at between $2 billion and $2.5 billion. This estimate is similar to Forbes’s most recent valuation, which put the Enstone-based outfit at around $2.45 billion, highlighting just how much Formula 1 team values have increased in recent…CONTINUE READING
Alex Stanton is a Formula 1 journalist at TJ13 with a focus on the financial and commercial dynamics that underpin the sport. Alex contributes reporting and analysis on team ownership structures, sponsorship trends, and the evolving business model of Formula 1.
At TJ13, Alex covers topics including manufacturer investment, cost cap implications, and the strategic direction of teams navigating an increasingly complex financial environment. Alex’s work often examines how commercial decisions translate into on-track performance and long-term competitiveness.
With a strong interest in the intersection of sport and business, Alex provides context around Formula 1’s global growth, including media rights, expansion markets, and manufacturer influence.
Alex’s reporting aims to explain the financial realities behind headline stories, helping readers understand how money, governance, and strategy shape the competitive order in Formula 1.
