F1 LIVE | Engine trick accusations explained, Hamilton given 'secret' to eighth title

Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok has labelled the timing of Hamilton’s race engineer change as strange. The 42-year-old, in his assessment of the situation, stressed that Scuderia Ferrari should have made the change following the conclusion of the 2025 campaign.

Chandhok argued that Hamilton would need more time with whoever is appointed as his engineer to get up to speed and deliver improved performance.

Ahead of the maiden pre-season shakedown in Barcelona, the Ferrari outfit announced that Hamilton’s race engineer, Riccardo Adami, will no longer continue in his role with the driver. The 52-year-old was subsequently moved to a role within the Ferrari Driver Academy, which he will combine with the TPC programme of the Italian outfit.

Lando Norris has expressed full confidence that George Russell will someday claim the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship.

The 2025 drivers’ champion, who spoke to a select group of media, including GPblog, during a pre-season event at McLaren’s team base, praised Russell’s potential and highlighted the mutual respect they share.

Norris admitted he would not be surprised to see his fellow Briton win the championship, while also acknowledging his own desire for another title.

According to the early-season odds, Russell is the firm favourite to win the 2026 drivers’ title. The bookmakers also have the Mercedes team as the favourite for the Constructors’ Championship.