Mercedes has put to rest any speculation about the future of Pete Bonnington and Lewis Hamilton partnership, announcing Bonnington’s promotion to Head of Race Engineering just before the Dutch Grand Prix.
This new role ensures that Bonnington, affectionately known as “Bono,” will remain with the Mercedes team, putting to rest any speculation about a potential switch to Ferrari alongside Hamilton.
A New Chapter in Bonnington’s Career
Bonnington will take on his new responsibilities immediately, while still serving as Hamilton’s race engineer for the remainder of the 2024 season. This promotion marks a new chapter in his illustrious career with Mercedes.
His career with the Brackley-based team has spanned multiple eras, beginning with Honda in 2004, continuing through its transformation into Brawn GP, and contributing significantly during their evolution into the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. His presence has been a constant, guiding the team through various phases of success.
The End of a Legendary F1 Partnership
Throughout his tenure, Bonnington has worked with some of the sport’s most legendary figures, including Michael Schumacher, before becoming Hamilton’s race engineer in 2013. He also played a crucial role in Jenson Button’s 2009 World Championship with Brawn GP.
Under Bonnington’s guidance, Pete Bonnington and Lewis Hamilton have achieved incredible success, securing six of Hamilton’s seven world titles, alongside 84 race wins and 78 pole positions. This partnership has become one of the most successful and enduring in F1 history.
Bonnington is also renowned for his iconic “It’s hammer time, Lewis” radio message, a signal that has become synonymous with Hamilton’s race-winning strategies.
Ending Speculation of a Ferrari Reunion
The confirmation of Bonnington’s new role at Mercedes ends rumors that Pete Bonnington and Lewis Hamilton might continue their partnership at Ferrari in 2025.
Hamilton’s surprise move to Ferrari had fueled speculation that his trusted race engineer might join him in Maranello, but this announcement solidifies Bonnington’s ongoing commitment to Mercedes.
While the duo won’t reunite at Ferrari, Hamilton will not be entirely without familiar faces in Italy. Former Mercedes engineer Loic Serra is set to join Ferrari as Head of Chassis Performance Engineering in October. Jock Clear, another former Mercedes colleague, will be on hand as well.
Additionally, Hamilton’s previous collaboration with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, during their time at ART Grand Prix, should help smooth his transition to the Scuderia.
Bonnington’s promotion to Head of Race Engineering at Mercedes ensures that the team retains one of the most experienced and respected figures in the paddock. His expertise will be crucial as the team prepares to finalize its new driver lineup.
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