Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One World Champion, has opened up about his difficult split with former race engineer Riccardo Adami after a challenging debut season with Ferrari last year.
In an exclusive interview with Motorsport Magazine, Hamilton reflected on the tough decision to part ways with Adami, who had been his race engineer for just one season at Ferrari. The British driver joined the Italian team in 2020, after spending six successful years with Mercedes, and was paired with Adami as his race engineer.
However, their partnership was short-lived as Hamilton struggled to adapt to the new car and team dynamics. Despite securing three podium finishes, including a win at the Turkish Grand Prix, the 36-year-old faced a tough battle against his teammate Charles Leclerc, who outperformed him in the championship standings.
As the season came to an end, Hamilton and Adami mutually agreed to go their separate ways, with the Italian engineer moving to Alfa Romeo. The decision came as a shock to many, as Adami was highly regarded in the paddock and had played a crucial role in Leclerc’s success at Ferrari.
In the interview, Hamilton revealed that the split was a difficult one for him, as he had developed a strong bond with Adami during their short time together. He praised the engineer for his technical expertise and his ability to keep him calm and focused during races.
“Riccardo is an incredible engineer, and I have so much respect for him. We had a great working relationship, and he helped me a lot during my first year at Ferrari. It was a tough decision to part ways, but we both knew it was the best for the team and for my career,” Hamilton said.
The seven-time champion also admitted that the split was a wake-up call for him, as he realized that he needed to make some changes to his approach if he wanted to succeed at Ferrari. He acknowledged that his debut season with the team was a challenging one, but he was determined to bounce back stronger in the upcoming season.
“I learned a lot from my first year at Ferrari. It was a tough season, but I believe it was necessary for me to go through that experience. I have identified areas where I need to improve, and I am working hard to come back stronger next season,” he added.
Hamilton also spoke about his new race engineer, Andrea Stella, who joined Ferrari from McLaren. The two have worked together in the past, and Hamilton is confident that their previous experience will help them build a strong working relationship at Ferrari.
“I am excited to work with Andrea again. We have a good understanding of each other, and I am sure we will make a great team. I have full trust in him, and I know he will push me to be the best version of myself,” Hamilton said.
The British driver also expressed his admiration for Ferrari and its rich history in Formula One. He acknowledged the pressure that comes with driving for the iconic team and promised to give his all to bring success back to Maranello.
“Ferrari is a legendary team, and it is an honor to be a part of it. I know the expectations are high, but I am ready to take on the challenge. I am fully committed to the team, and I will do everything in my power to bring back the glory days,” he said.
As Hamilton prepares for his second season with Ferrari, he remains optimistic and determined to achieve his ultimate goal of winning a championship with the team. He believes that the tough split with Adami was a necessary step in his journey, and he is confident that it will only make him stronger in the long run.
In conclusion, Lewis Hamilton’s split with Riccardo Adami may have been a tough one, but it has only motivated him to work harder and improve as a driver. With a new race engineer by his side and a renewed determination, the seven-time champion is ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead and bring success to Ferrari. Fans can’t wait to see what the upcoming season holds for Hamilton and the iconic Italian team.
