Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has addressed recent speculation regarding the relationship between Lewis Hamilton and his race engineer, Riccardo Adami, following the Monaco Grand Prix. During the race, a moment of radio silence led Hamilton to ask, “Are you upset with me or something?” This exchange sparked rumors of tension between the driver and his engineer. Vasseur clarified that the lack of immediate response was due to standard team protocols, stating, “When the driver is asking something between Turn 1 and Turn 3 we have to wait to reply to avoid to speak during the corners” .
Hamilton himself has dismissed the rumors, labeling them as “BS” and emphasizing the strength of his working relationship with Adami. He explained that the perceived communication issues were due to technical challenges, particularly in areas of the Monaco circuit where radio signals are weak. “Our relationship is great. No problems,” Hamilton asserted, highlighting their mutual commitment to adapting and working effectively together .
The incident in Monaco is not the first time Hamilton’s radio communications have come under scrutiny. Earlier in the season, during the Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton expressed frustration over team strategy decisions, leading to further speculation about his rapport with Adami. However, both Hamilton and the team have consistently downplayed these incidents, attributing them to the natural pressures and dynamics of Formula 1 racing .
As Hamilton continues his inaugural season with Ferrari, both he and the team are focused on building a strong partnership. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new team environment, Hamilton remains optimistic about their collaboration. “We’re constantly learning more and more about each other. We’re constantly adapting to the way both of us like to work,” he noted .
Vasseur also emphasized the importance of context when interpreting radio communications, noting that certain exchanges may be misinterpreted without understanding the full situation. He reiterated that there is no underlying tension within the team, and that both Hamilton and Adami are committed to achieving success together .
Looking ahead, Ferrari aims to capitalize on the strengths of the Hamilton-Adami partnership as they strive for improved performance in the remaining races of the season. With open communication and mutual respect, the team is confident in their ability to overcome challenges and compete at the highest level.
In summary, both Hamilton and Ferrari have addressed and dismissed rumors of discord between the driver and his race engineer. They attribute any perceived issues to technical factors and the high-pressure environment of Formula 1, reaffirming their shared commitment to collaboration and success.
As the season progresses, the focus remains on performance and teamwork, with Hamilton and Adami working closely to optimize their strategies and results on the track.