Lewis Hamilton experienced significant frustration during the Monaco Grand Prix, highlighting issues with his communication with race engineer Riccardo Adami. Their radio exchanges reflected rising tensions and a concerning disconnect within the Ferrari team. Since the outset of their collaboration, questions have arisen regarding the dynamics between Hamilton and Adami, with the events in Monaco intensifying these concerns.
Hamilton often found himself confused about the strategies being employed and sought more clarity throughout the race. He expressed his bewilderment, asking, “What pace do you want from me? Give me more information. Am I saving tires, or should I be pushing as hard as possible right now?” In response, Adami merely provided a target lap time of 1:15.2.
By lap 23, the seven-time world champion was again seeking a clearer assessment of his performance: “Is this pace good enough?” Adami, once more, failed to deliver a straightforward answer, instead referencing the pace of the cars ahead. This lack of precise communication contributed to Hamilton’s growing sense of disorientation during the race.
Having made his pit stop before Max Verstappen, Hamilton believed he was close to the Red Bull Racing rival. However, when he inquired whether the car ahead of him was Verstappen’s, he was met with the unexpected reply: “He’s 9.3 seconds ahead,” Adami said. Hamilton’s immediate reaction was one of disappointment: “Oh man. I thought he had just exited right in front of me.”
As the race progressed, Hamilton’s frustration escalated. “I really don’t know where I am, and I’m 15 seconds behind?” he questioned, expressing concern midway through the race. In an attempt to regain control, Adami suggested an ideal lap time: “You can improve by two-tenths to a 1:14.5. Let’s wait and see.” Hamilton responded with dissatisfaction, stating, “That really isn’t helping, man! I’m struggling with the car. I don’t know… everyone ahead is turning 1:14.9?”
Adami replied affirmatively, mentioning Lando Norris’s lap time of 1:14.5. The atmosphere of discontent lingered until the end of the race. When Hamilton received information about Verstappen’s strategy, he became irritated, exclaiming, “But why the hell are you giving me Verstappen’s stint, man?” To which Adami explained, “Just to give you an idea of the race situation.”
Even after making his two mandatory pit stops, Hamilton continued to lack clear information regarding his standing in the race. By lap 56, he still didn’t know where he was positioned. “Where is everyone, just so I know? I don’t need to know where Verstappen is. Who’s in front of me, and who’s behind? What position am I in?” he inquired again.
The final surprise came when he learned the time he had lost to the leaders. “Have I been slow the whole race?” he asked, suggesting he believed there was more performance available from his car than what he had been utilizing. Adami’s response again sidestepped the question: “Switch to red mode. Three lapped cars ahead of (Franco) Colapinto, and you’re on clear track,” the engineer stated without directly addressing Hamilton’s concerns.
This episode in Monaco starkly illustrated the challenges Hamilton faced in adapting to Ferrari’s structure and the working dynamic with his engineer. Even for a driver with Hamilton’s extensive experience, the absence of effective communication during one of the most technical races of the season presents a significant barrier to achieving better results.
It seems evident that the relationship between Hamilton and his race engineer at Ferrari is far from optimal. This situation undoubtedly hampers the seven-time champion’s ability to secure improved outcomes while driving for the Italian Scuderia.
