The 2025 Formula 1 season has been a turbulent one for Lewis Hamilton since his high-profile move to Ferrari, and the Monaco Grand Prix on May 26 has intensified scrutiny on his relationship with race engineer Riccardo Adami. Following a race where Hamilton finished significantly behind teammate Charles Leclerc, experts are now calling for Ferrari to replace Adami, citing persistent communication breakdowns that are hampering the seven-time world champion’s performance. The growing tension, evident in heated radio exchanges, has raised questions about whether Ferrari can maximize Hamilton’s potential without a change in personnel.

Hamilton’s debut season with Ferrari has been far from the triumphant return to form he envisioned. While Leclerc showcased impressive pace in Monaco, securing a podium, Hamilton trailed by dozens of seconds, languishing in what he described as “no man’s land.” When pressed on the performance gap, Hamilton offered a curt “Nope. It happens,” reflecting his frustration. The race exposed ongoing issues with Adami, whose communication style has repeatedly clashed with Hamilton’s expectations. During the race, Hamilton sought clarity, asking, “What do you need from me?” Adami’s response, including the vague assertion “This is our race,” left Hamilton confused. Post-race, Hamilton told reporters, “The information wasn’t exactly that clear. I didn’t fully understand ‘this is our race.’ I used up my tyres a lot in that moment but I was so far away from the guys up front anyway.”

The Monaco weekend was marred by earlier missteps. In qualifying, Adami incorrectly informed Hamilton that Max Verstappen was “slowing down,” leading to Hamilton impeding the Red Bull driver on a hot lap, resulting in a penalty. This error compounded Hamilton’s challenges, as he struggled with the Ferrari SF-25’s lack of pace, a recurring issue this season. After crossing the finish line, Hamilton thanked his crew for their quick repairs before qualifying, but Adami’s silence prompted an exasperated Hamilton to ask, “Are you upset with me or something?” Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur dismissed suggestions of tension, stating, “It’s not a tension that a guy is asking something. He’s between the walls, he’s under pressure, he’s fighting.” Vasseur insisted Hamilton was not upset post-race, but the public exchanges tell a different story.

The calls for Adami’s ousting are gaining traction among analysts. Former F1 test driver Ho-Pin Tung, speaking on Viaplay, emphasized the critical role of the race engineer: “He worked with Peter Bonnington for a long time, because the engineer is the most important person in the team for the driver. That relationship has to be very good. If not, it simply costs performance.” Tung’s comments highlight the contrast between Hamilton’s long-standing, successful partnership with Bonnington at Mercedes and his current struggles with Adami. GT3 driver Indy Dontje was more direct, arguing, “Things weren’t going well between Adami and Carlos Sainz either. I think he should go. He now has a seven-time world champion in the car, and he expects something from you. Adami just doesn’t perform.” Dontje pointed to Ferrari’s precedent of replacing Leclerc’s engineer mid-2024, questioning why similar action hasn’t been taken for Hamilton.

Ferrari’s 2025 season has been disappointing, with the team sitting fourth in the constructors’ championship, far behind McLaren and Red Bull. Hamilton, currently seventh in the drivers’ standings, has managed only one sprint race victory in China, while Leclerc’s podiums have outshone his teammate’s results. Technical issues with the SF-25, including a problematic rear suspension layout that limits ride height and causes excessive plank wear, have compounded Hamilton’s struggles, as noted by former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley. These challenges, combined with communication breakdowns, have fueled speculation that Hamilton’s title aspirations may remain unfulfilled without significant changes.

The Monaco Grand Prix, a race steeped in Ferrari’s storied history, underscored the urgency for action. Social media posts on X have amplified fan frustration, with some labeling Adami’s performance as detrimental to Hamilton’s qualifying and race results. While Vasseur continues to downplay the issue, the pressure is mounting for Ferrari to address the rift. With the 2026 regulations looming, Ferrari cannot afford to squander Hamilton’s expertise. As Dontje noted, “Hamilton should be able to demand the best of the best.” Whether Ferrari acts to replace Adami or doubles down on the current setup, the coming races will be critical in determining if Hamilton can reclaim his winning form in red.