BREAKING NEWS: Lewis Hamilton faces major F1 change as Mercedes confirm decision that… Read More
Lewis Hamilton faces major F1 change as Mercedes confirm decision that… Read More
Lewis Hamilton’s long-standing partnership with his race engineer, Pete ‘Bono’ Bonnington, will come to an end following the conclusion of the 2024 Formula 1 season. Mercedes has confirmed that Bonnington will be stepping into a new role within the team, ending speculation that he might join Hamilton at Ferrari in 2025. This announcement brings to a close their highly successful collaboration, which has spanned 12 seasons and seen Hamilton win six of his seven Drivers’ Championships since joining Mercedes in 2013.
Bonnington, who has played a crucial role in Hamilton’s career success, has been promoted to head of race engineering at Mercedes. This move will see the 49-year-old engineer remain with the team he has been with for nearly two decades, based in Brackley. Despite the promotion, Bonnington will continue to guide Hamilton through the remainder of the 2024 season, ensuring that the duo can finish their partnership on a high note.
While Hamilton’s future lies at Ferrari, where he is set to move in 2025, Mercedes has its eyes on the future as well. George Russell is confirmed to continue as one of their drivers, while young Italian talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli is the favorite to replace Hamilton. Antonelli, who has made a name for himself in junior racing categories, is considered a strong candidate for the full-time F1 seat at Mercedes. However, it remains to be seen whether Bonnington will be paired with Antonelli or take over as Russell’s race engineer, a position currently held by Marcus Dudley.
The partnership between Hamilton and Bonnington has been one of the most successful in Formula 1 history. Together, they have dominated the turbo-hybrid era, with Mercedes becoming the team to beat for several years. Hamilton has frequently spoken about the vital role Bonnington has played in his career, praising his calmness during races and his ability to help him navigate challenging situations on track. Their bond goes beyond just a professional relationship, with Hamilton describing Bonnington as a brother.
In a 2023 interview, Hamilton reflected on their long-standing partnership, expressing deep gratitude for Bonnington’s support throughout the years. “I’m incredibly grateful for Bono,” Hamilton said. “We’ve had an amazing journey together, I think we’ve got one of the longest, if not the longest-standing driver-engineer partnerships in Formula 1 history. He’s been a huge part of my success.”
Hamilton also highlighted the personal connection they share, saying, “We’ve supported each other both on and off the track, through the highs and the lows. I love working with Bono; he’s like a brother to me, a brother from another mother. He’s probably one of the few people who can truly tolerate me, on both good and bad days. His calm demeanor during races and his ability to guide me through tough moments is something that not many people can do.”
One of the most emotional moments between the two came earlier in the 2024 season when Hamilton ended a two-year winless streak by winning the British Grand Prix. The victory was a significant achievement for both Hamilton and Bonnington, marking a triumphant return to form for Mercedes after a challenging period. The pair shared a heartfelt exchange over the team radio following the win, highlighting the strength of their bond.
As the season progresses, Hamilton and Bonnington only have 10 races left together, starting with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Despite the challenges Mercedes has faced in recent years, particularly from Red Bull and Ferrari, the team remains determined to compete for victories in the remaining rounds of the championship. Bonnington’s calm guidance will continue to be crucial for Hamilton as they work to end their final season together on a positive note.
Looking ahead to 2025, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari represents a new chapter in his illustrious career. The British driver will be aiming to add to his seven world titles as he takes on a new challenge with the iconic Italian team. Ferrari, known for its passionate fanbase and storied history in Formula 1, will provide Hamilton with a fresh opportunity to cement his legacy in the sport. Meanwhile, Bonnington’s promotion at Mercedes ensures that his influence within the team will continue, even as Hamilton moves on to new challenges.
The end of Hamilton and Bonnington’s partnership marks the conclusion of one of Formula 1’s most successful driver-engineer relationships. Their journey together has been filled with countless victories, world championships, and memorable moments. As they prepare to bid farewell to their time together, the final races of the season will undoubtedly be emotional for both, as they reflect on the remarkable chapter they’ve written in the history of the sport.
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