Bono's Mercedes promotion marks end of Hamilton era
Lewis Hamilton's long-time race engineer, Peter Bonnington, has been promoted to Head of Race Engineering at Mercedes, marking the end of an era in their successful partnership on the track.
Mercedes has announced a significant promotion for Peter Bonnington (Bono), Lewis Hamilton's long-time race engineer.
Bonnington will ascend to the role of head of race engineering while maintaining his current duties until the season's end.
A new chapter for "Bono"
This development puts to rest speculation about Bonnington's future as Hamilton prepares for his high-profile move to Ferrari in 2025.
The partnership between Hamilton and "Bono," as Bonnington is affectionately known, has been one of the most successful in F1 history, yielding six world championships and countless memorable moments.
A Mercedes spokesperson confirmed that Bonnington will remain with the team beyond Hamilton's departure, taking on race engineering responsibilities for one of the drivers in the 2025 lineup.
This decision not only retains crucial expertise within the Brackley-based squad but also signals Mercedes' determination to build on its recent successes and chart a course for the future.
The Legacy
The Hamilton-Bonnington alliance, forged in 2013 when Hamilton joined Mercedes from McLaren, has been characterized by an almost telepathic understanding on track.
Their radio communications, particularly Bonnington's calm "Lewis, it's hammer time" calls, have become iconic in the sport.
Reflecting on their most recent triumph at the British Grand Prix, Bonnington's emotional response was palpable.
"I wouldn't say crying, I had something in my eye," he told Sky Sports, highlighting the depth of their connection and the significance of their achievements together.
As Mercedes looks to capitalize on its late-season resurgence, with three wins in the last four grands prix shared between Hamilton and George Russell, Bonnington's expanded role could prove pivotal.
His wealth of experience and intimate understanding of the team's operations position him as a key figure in Mercedes' efforts to reclaim its dominant form.
End of an era
For Hamilton, the move to Ferrari in 2025 will mean leaving behind more than just a team; it marks the end of an era defined by his partnership with Bonnington.
However, the British driver won't be entirely without familiar faces in Maranello.
The impending arrival of Loic Serra as Head of Chassis Performance Engineering at Ferrari, along with the presence of Jock Clear and team principal Fred Vasseur, ensures a degree of continuity for Hamilton in his new environment.
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