F1 news: Lewis Hamilton’s engineer quits Ferrari ahead of Brazilian GP
Ferrari’s preparations for the Brazilian Grand Prix have been overshadowed by the news that Lewis Hamilton’s performance engineer, Riccardo Corte, has officially left the team, reports Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo.
A major departure from Maranello
Corte, a long-serving member of Ferrari’s Formula 1 operation, has decided to pursue a new challenge in motorsport after more than a decade with the Scuderia.
Corte, who joined Ferrari 11 years ago, played an integral role in the team’s engineering department.
He worked closely with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz before becoming part of Hamilton’s crew at the start of the 2025 season.
His experience and familiarity with the team made him a key figure in Hamilton’s adjustment to life at Maranello after leaving Mercedes.
A blow to Hamilton’s adaptation
Hamilton’s debut season with Ferrari has been one of transition rather than triumph.
Despite flashes of competitiveness, the seven-time world champion has yet to secure a podium finish. His best results have been fourth-place finishes at the Austrian, British, and United States Grands Prix.
Corte’s departure removes one of the few constants in Hamilton’s setup, which may add another layer of complexity as Ferrari looks to finish the season strongly.
The timing is particularly challenging, with the Brazilian GP fast approaching, an event where Hamilton has often performed at his best.
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Transitioning beyond F1
Corte’s move away from Ferrari was already in motion earlier this year.
Following the Belgian Grand Prix, he was reassigned to a development position within the team, a shift that hinted at changes behind the scenes. Now, he has confirmed his full exit from F1 to join Grove Racing in Australia’s Supercars Championship.
He will take up the role of race engineer for rising star Kai Allen in the 2026 season, a position that marks an entirely new chapter in his motorsport career.
Corte expressed excitement about the opportunity, describing it as a chance to bring Ferrari’s precision and discipline to a different racing culture.
“I’m really proud to be joining Grove Racing at such an exciting time for the team,” Corte said in a statement.
“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.”
Grove Racing’s ambitious growth
Grove Racing, one of Australia’s fastest-rising motorsport outfits, have built a reputation for steady improvement since being acquired by its current ownership in 2021.
The team recently finished second in the Teams’ Championship and captured a memorable victory at the Bathurst 1000, an achievement that solidified its place among the top Supercars competitors.
Team owner Stephen Grove described Corte’s arrival as a significant moment in their ongoing evolution. “Riccardo’s appointment represents another major step forward for Grove Racing,” he said.
“His 11 years of experience at Ferrari F1, and his work as Lewis Hamilton’s performance engineer earlier this year, bring incredible depth and understanding to our program. We’re proud to welcome him to the team, and it speaks to the calibre of people we have at Grove Racing.”
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Ferrari face the final stretch
While Corte’s move signals the end of a long relationship with Ferrari, it also leaves the Italian team in a period of reflection.
The season has not unfolded as many had anticipated, with both performance inconsistencies and personnel changes affecting their rhythm.
As the grid prepares for the intensity of Interlagos, Ferrari will be hoping Hamilton can rediscover his best form, even without one of his most trusted engineers by his side.
The Brazilian GP has long been a special venue for Hamilton, a circuit where his skill and resilience often shine through.
For Ferrari, the challenge now lies in channelling that spirit into results, as the team pushes to close out a difficult season on a more positive note.
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