In a surprising development just months into Lewis Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari, one of the key members of his technical team has officially resigned from the Scuderia. The news was confirmed in a statement released earlier today, sending shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock and raising questions about stability within Ferrari’s new Hamilton-led project.
A Sudden Departure
The engineer in question, Riccardo Corte, had been part of Ferrari’s technical structure for over a decade. He recently took up the role of performance engineer for Lewis Hamilton, working closely with the seven-time world champion since his highly publicised move from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025.
In the official announcement, Ferrari confirmed Corte’s departure but thanked him for his years of service and commitment to the team. The statement read:
“After 11 years with Scuderia Ferrari, Riccardo Corte has decided to pursue a new professional opportunity. We thank him for his dedication, hard work, and contribution to the team’s success over the years and wish him the very best in his future career.”
A Move Abroad
Corte is set to join Grove Racing, a leading team in the Australian Supercars Championship. His new position will reportedly involve overseeing race performance and technical development — a major switch from the high-pressure environment of Formula 1.
Corte himself commented on the move, saying:
“After 11 incredible years at Ferrari, I’m excited to take on a fresh challenge. Grove Racing is a team with huge ambition, and I look forward to bringing my F1 experience to help them achieve even greater success.”
His decision to leave mid-season surprised many, especially given Ferrari’s ongoing efforts to adapt to Hamilton’s driving style and optimise car performance.
Timing Raises Questions
The timing of the resignation could hardly be more delicate. Ferrari is currently battling to secure second place in the Constructors’ Championship, while Hamilton continues to adjust to the SF-25 after a difficult start to life in red.
Although sources within Ferrari have downplayed any tension, insiders suggest that the team’s technical department has undergone several behind-the-scenes adjustments to improve communication and performance. Losing a senior engineer at such a critical stage inevitably poses challenges.
One paddock insider noted:
“When a key engineer leaves in the middle of the season, it can unsettle the team. The driver-engineer relationship is vital — it’s built on trust, data interpretation, and instinct. Losing that link, especially with a new driver like Hamilton, can take time to rebuild.”
Impact on Hamilton and Ferrari
For Lewis Hamilton, the news comes amid a season of mixed fortunes. Despite flashes of speed, consistency has eluded him in Ferrari’s car. He has publicly acknowledged that adapting to a new car and team has been more difficult than anticipated.
With Corte’s departure, Hamilton will now work with a restructured engineering team for the remainder of the season. Ferrari has not yet confirmed who will replace him, though internal candidates are reportedly being considered to maintain continuity.
Hamilton has not made a public statement regarding the engineer’s exit but is expected to address it during the next Grand Prix weekend.
Ferrari’s Transition Continues
This latest change adds to a year of transition for Ferrari. The team is still fine-tuning its new structure under team principal Frédéric Vasseur, who has been pushing for both organisational stability and technical innovation.
Despite setbacks, Ferrari remains optimistic about the long-term project with Hamilton. Sources close to the team suggest that while Corte’s departure is unfortunate, it will not derail Ferrari’s development plan heading into the 2026 regulations overhaul.
A senior Ferrari figure reportedly said:
“Every team evolves. Personnel changes are part of Formula 1. Our focus remains on giving Lewis the best possible car and continuing to build towards the future.”
Looking Ahead
Hamilton and Ferrari will now look to end the 2025 season on a positive note. The remaining races will be crucial in maintaining momentum and ensuring that internal changes do not disrupt progress.
For Riccardo Corte, his next chapter in Supercars represents both a personal and professional challenge — a chance to lead, innovate, and perhaps enjoy a less politically charged racing environment.
As Ferrari prepares for its next race weekend, all eyes will be on how quickly Hamilton can adapt to a new voice on the radio and whether the team can remain united during this critical phase of their rebuilding era.
