Hamilton hails instant connection with race engineer Santi after first Ferrari win

In 2025, Hamilton and Adami struggled to recreate the chemistry the Briton had with Mercedes race engineer Peter 'Bono' Bonnington that helped deliver his six Drivers' titles with the Silver Arrows. But all throughout what was a commanding victory at the Barcelona GP, his first-ever in Ferrari red, supportive and motivating messages from Santi were heard over team radio, and rewarded with a spot on the rostrum next to winner Hamilton.

Offering insight into his relationship with Santi, Hamilton was delighted at being able to connect with a man he admitted he hardly knew heading into the 2026 season. Hamilton told GPblog and other media at the post-race press conference "Yeah, it was great to have him up there," Hamilton said on his podium celebrations.

Hamilton then compared his relationship with Santi with that of his time with 'Bono,' who now has 19-year-old championship leader Kimi Antonelli has his driver at Mercedes. After the young Italian's DNF in Barcelona, Hamilton trails Antonelli by just 41 points in the Drivers' standings.

And despite Hamilton describing Santi as a "very, very quiet" individual, the seven-time world champion has credited the race engineer with "reigniting the love" he has for being an F1 driver.

While Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has noted the newfound relationship between Santi and Hamilton as a "good one," the Frenchman chose to focus on the Scuderia's collective effort to get back to winning ways.

He told media, including GPblog: "No, I don't want to put Carlo in front or whatever, but I think it's a huge effort from everybody. Carlo is part of the process, and the fit between Carlo and Lewis is a good one. But you know that we have to react as a group in the good and the bad moments.