Ferrari has officially confirmed that Carlo Santi will continue serving as Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer for the foreseeable future. This decision brings welcome continuity to the seven-time world champion’s technical partnership at Maranello after a period of transition. Santi initially joined the team on a temporary basis to fill a critical gap while Ferrari searched for a permanent solution following the challenges of Hamilton’s debut season in 2025. The Italian engineer stepped into the role during pre-season testing and has since become a trusted voice guiding Hamilton through the opening seven rounds of the 2026 campaign. His steady presence has contributed to noticeable progress, culminating in Hamilton’s breakthrough victory at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit.
The move to appoint Santi followed the repositioning of Riccardo Adami, who had worked closely with Hamilton throughout a difficult and underwhelming first year with the Scuderia. Rather than rushing into another long-term appointment, Ferrari opted for Santi as an interim option. However, their collaboration has proven highly effective, leading the team to abandon any immediate plans for change. A spokesperson for Ferrari told BBC Sport that the partnership between Santi and Hamilton is functioning smoothly, with no intention of making a replacement. This stability is particularly valuable as Ferrari pushes to challenge for both drivers’ and constructors’ honors in a fiercely competitive season.
At 52 years old, Santi brings a wealth of experience and calm professionalism to the high-pressure environment of the Ferrari garage. His ability to integrate quickly with Hamilton has been impressive, especially considering they had no prior working relationship. The partnership highlights Ferrari’s focus on building strong driver-engineer dynamics that foster trust and performance under the intense scrutiny that accompanies the red cars. As the season advances, this confirmed arrangement allows Hamilton to concentrate fully on extracting the maximum potential from the 2026 Ferrari challenger without the distraction of further personnel shifts.
Hamilton’s Emotional Barcelona Triumph Strengthens Bond with Santi
Lewis Hamilton’s first Grand Prix victory for Ferrari at Barcelona marked a pivotal moment, not only for the team’s 2026 campaign but also for his growing connection with Carlo Santi. The pair celebrated together on the podium, a symbolic gesture that underscored their rapidly developing rapport. Hamilton spoke warmly about the experience, expressing genuine appreciation for Santi’s contributions during what has been a demanding adaptation period. He noted how the engineer stepped in decisively, diving deep into the role despite starting as a relative unknown to the British driver.
In his post-race comments, Hamilton reflected on the seamless way they clicked from the beginning. “It was great to have him up there on the podium,” Hamilton said. He emphasized that they had never spoken before the collaboration began, yet their professional chemistry formed almost immediately. This fresh working relationship stands in contrast to Hamilton’s long-standing partnership with his previous engineer, Peter Bonnington (widely known as Bono), who now supports rising star Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes. Hamilton acknowledged the unique challenge of rebuilding that level of understanding after years of familiarity, describing the process as both refreshing and rewarding.
The 41-year-old champion also highlighted Santi’s reserved personality, noting how the typically quiet Italian found it difficult to openly display emotions amid the euphoria of the win. Hamilton recounted pulling Santi into enthusiastic hugs and offering heartfelt thanks, suggesting that the success may have revitalized the engineer’s passion for the sport. He believes the experience has reignited Santi’s love for engineering at the pinnacle of motorsport, just as it has renewed his own drive. These personal insights reveal a deepening mutual respect that extends beyond pure technical performance, creating a foundation for sustained success as Ferrari aims to end its championship drought.
The Barcelona result has propelled Hamilton closer to the top of the 2026 drivers’ standings, injecting fresh momentum into the team. Santi’s guidance during race weekends, strategy calls, and car setup discussions has played a key role in unlocking the potential that many observers felt was missing in 2025. Their ability to communicate effectively and align on key decisions has helped Hamilton deliver consistently strong performances across varied circuits in the early part of the season.
Santi’s Proven Pedigree and Long-Term Value at Ferrari
Carlo Santi is no stranger to delivering results with legendary drivers. Prior to joining Hamilton’s program, he worked successfully with Kimi Raikkonen and was instrumental in the Finn securing his 21st and final Formula 1 victory at the 2018 United States Grand Prix. That experience with a world champion known for his cool demeanor and precise feedback provided Santi with valuable insights that he now applies in supporting Hamilton’s more expressive and analytical style. The blend of their personalities appears to be yielding positive outcomes on track.
Ferrari’s decision to retain Santi reflects confidence in his ability to handle the unique pressures of working with one of the sport’s most high-profile athletes. In an era where small margins separate success from disappointment, having a stable and experienced engineer can make a decisive difference in qualifying sessions, race strategy, and tire management. The confirmation also signals that Ferrari is satisfied with the technical direction Hamilton and Santi are pursuing together, allowing the team to focus resources on car development rather than personnel adjustments.
Looking ahead, this partnership could prove crucial as the 2026 season intensifies. With multiple races remaining and tight competition from teams like McLaren and Mercedes, consistent communication and rapid problem-solving between driver and engineer will be essential. Hamilton’s praise suggests that Santi has not only met expectations but exceeded them in a short time, potentially positioning him as a long-term asset for Ferrari beyond the current campaign.
For Hamilton, the stability offered by Santi represents an important step in fully embedding himself within the Ferrari culture. After navigating the challenges of a new team, new car philosophy, and new colleagues, this confirmed engineering support helps solidify his place in the Scuderia’s history books. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how this duo continues to evolve, particularly as Ferrari ramps up efforts to challenge for the 2026 title.
Overall, the retention of Carlo Santi marks a positive development for both Hamilton and Ferrari. It demonstrates the team’s adaptability and commitment to nurturing effective collaborations that drive performance. As the championship battle heats up, the quiet, experienced engineer and the charismatic champion form a compelling combination with the potential to deliver further memorable moments in red.
