George Russell.... Pete Bonnington’s ... at Mercedes Amid

George Russell…. Pete Bonnington’s … at Mercedes Amid F1 2025 Transition

In a major development for Mercedes ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season, George Russell has expressed his enthusiasm for the promotion of Pete Bonnington, Lewis Hamilton’s long-serving race engineer, to the role of Head of Race Engineering. This move comes at a crucial time for Mercedes, as the team prepares for a new era following Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari.

The seven-time world champion’s decision to join Ferrari on a multi-year contract starting in 2025 sent ripples through the F1 community, sparking speculation about potential shifts within the Mercedes team. Bonnington, who has been a key figure in Hamilton’s success over the years, was rumored to be a prime candidate to follow Hamilton to Maranello. However, it was later revealed that Hamilton’s new contract with Ferrari includes a “no-poaching” clause. This clause prevents him from directly influencing Mercedes staff to join him at his new team, effectively keeping key personnel, like Bonnington, within the Mercedes fold.

On Wednesday, Mercedes confirmed that Bonnington has committed to staying with the team and has been promoted to Head of Race Engineering. This new role will see Bonnington taking on broader responsibilities within the team, overseeing race engineering operations while continuing to contribute his expertise on the track. Notably, Bonnington is expected to serve as a race engineer to one of Mercedes’ drivers next season, with speculation pointing towards Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is rumored to be Hamilton’s successor.

Russell, who made his Mercedes debut under Bonnington’s guidance at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, expressed his excitement about the promotion. Speaking to the media ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, Russell praised Bonnington’s experience and leadership, calling the move “great news” for Mercedes.

“Pete’s promotion is fantastic for the team,” Russell said. “His experience and expertise are invaluable, and having him in a more influential role is a huge boost for us as we prepare for the challenges ahead in 2025. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Pete during my debut with Mercedes, and I know firsthand how much of a difference he can make. It’s great to see that he’ll be continuing with the team in this new capacity.”

Bonnington’s role within Mercedes has been pivotal, particularly in his work with Hamilton. Their partnership has been one of the most successful in F1 history, with Bonnington playing a critical role in Hamilton’s seven world championships. His decision to stay with Mercedes and take on a larger role is seen as a stabilizing factor for the team as they transition into a new era without their star driver.

Mercedes’ team principal, Toto Wolff, also expressed his confidence in Bonnington’s ability to lead the race engineering department. “Pete has been a cornerstone of our success over the years, and his promotion is well-deserved,” Wolff stated. “As we look to the future, having someone of Pete’s caliber in this leadership role gives us great confidence. We’re entering a period of change, but with Pete’s experience and the talent we have within the team, we’re well-positioned to continue competing at the highest level.”

The promotion of Bonnington is not only a strategic move by Mercedes to retain top talent but also a sign of the team’s commitment to continuity and stability during a time of significant change. With Hamilton’s departure and the expected arrival of a new driver, likely Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes will be relying on Bonnington’s expertise to guide them through the upcoming challenges.

Russell, who is set to become the team’s leading driver in Hamilton’s absence, is optimistic about Mercedes’ prospects. “We have a strong team, and with Pete’s new role, I’m confident we can continue to build on the success we’ve had. The future is bright for Mercedes, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

As the F1 2024 season progresses and preparations for 2025 intensify, Mercedes’ decision to promote Bonnington signals their determination to remain competitive at the pinnacle of motorsport, even as they navigate the complexities of a post-Hamilton era.