Lewis Hamilton loses his Ferrari performance engineer Riccardo Corte, who leaves the F1 team for a new career in sportscars.
When Lewis Hamilton joined Ferrari, it was seen as a bold new chapter for both the seven-time world champion and the legendary Italian team. But just months into this new era, Ferrari has suffered a significant internal change. Hamilton’s performance engineer, Riccardo Corte, has officially left the Scuderia to pursue a new adventure in sportscar racing.
Corte, a long-time Ferrari team member, has been an integral part of the Maranello setup for over a decade. His decision to leave and join Grove Racing in the Australian Supercars Championship marks a new turning point — not just for him, but for Ferrari’s F1 project with Hamilton.
Who is Riccardo Corte?
Riccardo Corte isn’t just another name in Ferrari’s long list of engineers. Over his 11-year stint with the Scuderia, he became a trusted figure in their performance department, known for his technical precision and calm decision-making under pressure. His engineering insights were critical in optimizing race strategies and car balance — factors that can make or break a Formula 1 weekend.
Corte’s Journey with Ferrari
Corte’s story with Ferrari began long before Lewis Hamilton entered the picture. He was deeply involved in the team’s evolution during the hybrid era, working through highs and lows as Ferrari sought to challenge Mercedes’ dominance. From power unit challenges to aerodynamic upgrades, Corte’s fingerprints were all over Ferrari’s progress.
Working with Leclerc and Sainz
Before joining Hamilton’s side of the garage, Corte had previously worked with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, helping fine-tune their driving styles to extract maximum performance. His understanding of driver feedback and car behavior earned him immense respect within the paddock. For both drivers, Corte was more than an engineer — he was a bridge between driver instinct and machine response.
The Hamilton Connection
When Lewis Hamilton moved from Mercedes to Ferrari, the transition required not just a new car but a new inner circle. Corte became one of Hamilton’s closest technical allies, translating the seven-time world champion’s driving insights into on-track performance. Their collaboration, though short-lived, symbolized Ferrari’s effort to build a structure capable of matching Hamilton’s meticulous approach.
The Shift Before the Belgian GP
Interestingly, Corte’s exit was preceded by a quiet transition within Ferrari ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. Reports suggest that he was reassigned to a new position temporarily, signaling internal restructuring. Now, that change has come full circle, with Corte stepping away entirely to embark on a new journey outside Formula 1.
Why Corte’s Exit Matters to Hamilton
For a driver like Hamilton, relationships with key team members are often as crucial as the machinery beneath him. Losing a trusted performance engineer can feel like losing a vital compass. Engineers like Corte help drivers find those precious tenths of a second that define qualifying sessions and race outcomes. His departure could temporarily unsettle Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari’s unique car dynamics.
Think of it like a musician losing his sound engineer — the rhythm remains, but the harmony feels slightly off until a new balance is found.
Grove Racing’s Big Announcement
Corte’s next chapter will unfold with Grove Racing, a rising force in the Australian Supercars Championship. The team has been on a remarkable upward trajectory, highlighted by their Bathurst 1000 victory — one of the most prestigious motorsport events in Australia. Corte’s addition to their engineering team signals a serious push toward even greater competitiveness.
Stephen Grove’s Excitement
Team owner Stephen Grove couldn’t hide his enthusiasm while announcing the appointment. He described Corte’s arrival as “another major step forward” for Grove Racing, emphasizing the immense technical expertise and leadership qualities that the former Ferrari engineer brings. Grove called Corte’s presence an example of the caliber of talent now joining their operation.
Corte’s Statement and Vision
In his own words, Corte expressed pride and optimism about the move:
“I’m really proud to be joining Grove Racing at such an exciting time for the team. The progress they’ve made in recent seasons is impressive, and the Bathurst 1000 win shows what’s possible with the right people and mindset. After 11 years at Ferrari F1, I’m looking forward to bringing that experience into Supercars, helping the team keep pushing forward and maximising every opportunity on track.”
His message reflects not just excitement but also gratitude for his F1 journey — one filled with challenges, learning, and success.
What This Means for Ferrari’s Structure
Ferrari has seen numerous internal shifts over the past few seasons, especially as it rebuilds its competitive framework. Corte’s exit could prompt another round of restructuring within the performance division. With new technical leadership and a world champion driver to support, maintaining stability will be Ferrari’s top priority going forward.
The Importance of Performance Engineers
In Formula 1, a performance engineer is often the unseen hero behind every successful lap. They monitor data, tweak settings, and act as a translator between the driver’s intuition and the car’s mechanical language. Losing someone with Corte’s experience is no small matter — it’s like removing a key piece from a well-oiled machine.
How Hamilton Might React
Lewis Hamilton, known for his close relationships with his engineering team, will likely feel the impact of Corte’s departure. However, the Briton’s professionalism and adaptability could help him integrate quickly with whoever steps in to fill the role. Hamilton has weathered transitions before — from McLaren to Mercedes, and now to Ferrari — and his resilience often turns setbacks into opportunities.
Ferrari’s Search for Stability
With Corte’s exit, Ferrari will need to ensure Hamilton’s garage retains the same technical and emotional stability it enjoyed in recent months. Finding a replacement who understands Hamilton’s precision-driven feedback style will be essential. The Scuderia’s focus now will be to strengthen its internal dynamics ahead of the next phase of the season.
Conclusion
Riccardo Corte’s departure marks the end of an era for Ferrari and a new beginning for him in Australia. For Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari, it’s a moment that calls for quick adaptation and renewed teamwork. While the timing might seem inconvenient, it’s also an opportunity for fresh ideas and new energy to flow through the team. After all, in Formula 1, change is the only constant — and those who embrace it often come out stronger.
FAQs
1. Who is Riccardo Corte?
Riccardo Corte is an Italian engineer who worked with Ferrari for 11 years and recently served as Lewis Hamilton’s performance engineer before leaving for Grove Racing.
2. Why did Riccardo Corte leave Ferrari?
He left Ferrari to pursue a new opportunity in sportscar racing, joining Grove Racing in the Australian Supercars Championship.
3. How does Corte’s exit affect Lewis Hamilton?
Corte’s departure removes a key figure from Hamilton’s technical circle, potentially impacting his adaptation to Ferrari in the short term.
4. What role will Corte have at Grove Racing?
He will bring his Formula 1 experience to Grove Racing, helping the team advance its engineering and performance development programs.
5. Can Ferrari quickly find a replacement for Corte?
Ferrari has a deep engineering talent pool, but finding someone who matches Corte’s experience and chemistry with Hamilton will be a challenge.
