Have Hamilton and Adami already found a common language? The confused and tense team radio exchanged between the two in Australia, which made headlines worldwide, were, according to Lewis, blown out of proportion. “It was just a normal exchange between us. I simply told him to let me handle that part of the race, and I was very polite. If you listen to other drivers’ conversations, like Max with his engineer, they’re much more heated. With Bono (his former engineer at Mercedes), it took time to build a relationship and understand each other, so with Riccardo, we have no issues. We move forward with a smile.” And now, even with coded messages.

“That’s San Diego!”

In just one week, a strong sense of camaraderie seems to have developed between Lewis Hamilton and his track engineer, Riccardo Adami. When the seven-time world champion crossed the finish line to secure the mini pole in China, he asked Adami what position he was in. “That’s San Diego,” replied the Brescia-born engineer, formerly with Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz. “Really?” asked a surprised Lewis, confirming the answer. Amid Hamilton’s laughter, the engineer added a comment: “Good job in San Diego, San Diago!” — deliberately mispronouncing the name for fun.

But what did this mean? Only they know what they truly meant by it, and no one in the team is clearing it up—some to protect their secrets, others because they have no idea. Among the theories circulating is that Hamilton and Adami were referencing the movie Anchorman – The Legend of Ron Burgundy, directed by Adam McKay, starring Will Ferrell as a TV anchor from San Diego. It’s a cult film known for its surreal and trashy scenes, which both Lewis and Adami likely know and enjoy.

Photo: courtesy of Scuderia Ferrari