Image source: Instagram
Peter Bonnington, famously known as ‘Bono’, is not making the move to Ferrari with Lewis Hamilton next season. The long-time race engineer will be staying with Mercedes, where he has been promoted to the role of Head of Race Engineering.
This news was shared internally before the August break, a Mercedes spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday.
Peter Bonnington has been a crucial part of Hamilton’s journey for the past 12 years. Their dynamic radio exchanges, including the iconic ‘Hammer Time’ call, have become legendary in the Formula One world. Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, will be switching to Ferrari next season, marking his third team since starting with McLaren in 2007.
While Mercedes has not yet announced Hamilton’s replacement, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is the top contender. The 17-year-old Italian will celebrate his 18th birthday this Sunday and might make an appearance in the practice session at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
As the Formula One season picks up again with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort this weekend, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will be racing in his home country, adding extra excitement to the event.
