Carlo Santi proved the title of “the Italian Bono” right with one radio message to Lewis Hamilton in Barcelona

Adami and Hamilton clashed several times In 2025, most notably in Australia, Miami and Abu Dhabi. It was clear that change was needed for 2026, and that is exactly what happened Hamilton He did – he has since struck gold with Santi.

Carlo Santi’s radio messages to Lewis Hamilton in Barcelona prove he is ‘the Italian Bono’

Ferrari signed Cedric Grosjean from McLaren to be Hamilton’s new race engineer in 2026, but that was delayed due to a period of gardening leave. Santi took over temporarily, and that remains the case now, but the difference between him and Adami is night and day.

Santi, who previously worked with Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari, provided Hamilton with clear and concise information during the races, as well as strong words of encouragement. This has proven to be a remarkable transformation, and the Briton is back to his best.

Hamilton praised Santi for reigniting his love of racing After achieving his first win for Ferrari in Barcelona. The Italian showed just how important he is to the 41-year-old last weekend with his radio calls.

What is the biggest reason for Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari this year?

Over the radio, Santi is heard giving Hamilton the exact amount of information he needs and telling him how good his pace is. On lap 39, he told him: “This is our race, give everything you have in these seven laps, it’s the decisive moment. This is our chance,” after implementing a three-stop strategy.

This is exactly that kind of thing Emotional support that Adami did not understand with Hamilton. That’s what has made his partnership with Bonnington so successful, and it’s no surprise to see Santi held in as much possession as the Mercedes man.

Hamilton called Santi the “Italian Bono” at Barcelona, ​​and he has proven himself worthy of that talent. Emotional support, brief messages and constant updates are what the seven-time champion needs in his bid for eighth place.

Read more: Ferrari Driver Lewis Hamilton’s Life Outside Formula 1 From Net Worth To Family

Joleon Palmer loved Carlo Santi and Lewis Hamilton’s relationship at Barcelona

Writing in his column for F1.com After the race, Joleon Palmer was impressed by Hamilton and Santi Fe Barcelona’s communication, highlighting how important it is to the title fight, with Hamilton now 41 points behind Kimi Antonelli.

Related to all of this is the final piece that seems to complete the puzzle of Hamilton’s success: his change of race engineer. He had a tense relationship with Ricardo Adami from very early last year, as he defied calls and did not understand what was being asked of him.

The partnership between race engineer and driver is an important part of success. Hamilton has lived it up with Pete Bonnington for years at Mercedes, and now looks to be forging another successful partnership with Carlo Santi, who Ferrari has brought back to the front line.

Lewis Hamilton is now missing out on pole position in a Grand Prix with Ferrari 🏆 Prediction when will that come?

What seemed like a temporary bandaid is now a permanent solution and I loved the chatter from Santee to Hamilton on Sunday. You could tell he was excited, you could see that this was a golden opportunity and he was conveying that through his voice to Hamilton as well, urging his driver to go further.

When I was driving, I felt it was very important to feel the desire of my race engineer, to feel that their desire to succeed is aligned with yours and that you are moving in the same direction.

This year, Hamilton once again got it off the pit wall and it was evident from their post-race podium celebrations.