In a significant development just weeks before the 2026 Formula 1 season commences, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has reportedly parted ways with his manager Marc Hynes. This managerial split comes on the heels of what Hamilton himself described as the "worst season ever" during his challenging debut campaign with Ferrari.
Timing and Background of the Split
The timing of this separation is particularly notable, occurring merely four weeks before the 2026 F1 season gets underway with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 8 March. Hynes, a former British F3 champion who has known Hamilton since their junior formula days, was re-hired by the British driver at the beginning of last year after previously serving as chief executive of Hamilton's management company, Project 44, from 2015 to 2021.
Throughout the 2025 season, Hynes accompanied the 41-year-old driver to virtually all 24 grands prix, overseeing Hamilton's logistical racing matters during a campaign that failed to yield a single podium finish for the Ferrari newcomer.
Managerial Moves and Team Dynamics
Reports indicate that Hynes has now joined F1's newest team, American outfit Cadillac, for the upcoming season, which consequently means he will not be working closely with Hamilton during the 2026 campaign. According to the Daily Mail, previous separations between Hamilton and Hynes have been conducted on amicable terms, suggesting this latest split follows a similar pattern.
This managerial change represents the second significant professional separation for Hamilton in recent months, following his parting with race engineer Riccardo Adami last month after what was described as a fraught partnership. The search for Adami's replacement appears to be narrowing, with McLaren's Cedric Michel-Grosjean, formerly Oscar Piastri's performance engineer, believed to be the frontrunner, while Hamilton's own performance engineer Luca Diella remains another viable option.
Continuity Amid Change
Amid these personnel changes, Hamilton will maintain continuity in one crucial area: performance coach Angela Cullen, who returned to his side last year after a two-season absence, will continue in her role. This stability in his physical preparation team may provide some consistency as Hamilton navigates these professional transitions.
Reflecting on a Difficult Season
Hamilton's assessment of his 2025 campaign as the "worst season ever" followed significant struggles to maximise performance and results in what was described as a capricious Ferrari car that failed to secure a race victory. The statistics underscore the challenge: Hamilton finished sixth in the drivers' championship, 86 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc and a substantial 267 points adrift of world champion Lando Norris.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
Despite these recent challenges and personnel changes, Hamilton has expressed cautious optimism following early testing of Ferrari's 2026 car, the SF-26. During last week's private pre-season test in Barcelona, Hamilton set the fastest time, providing an encouraging sign ahead of two official tests scheduled in Bahrain during February.
"Everyone is positive and incredibly enthusiastic but we're under no illusions," Hamilton commented after the Barcelona test. "We know we've got work to do. We don't know where we are but I think it's a solid first week and we can really build from here."
The British driver emphasised the importance of development and teamwork moving forward: "There may be some big leaps that we are going to need to take, development is going to be key. Just really making sure we leave no stone unturned and we are just really clear and concise with our communications and the decisions we take. It's going to take all of us to be at our best, and I'm seeing that everyone is coming with new energy this year, which is great."
As the F1 community awaits official statements from Ferrari and Cadillac regarding these managerial changes, all eyes will be on how Hamilton adapts to this new professional landscape as he prepares for what he hopes will be a more successful 2026 season with the iconic Italian team.
