Lewis Hamilton’s long-standing race engineer, Pete Bonnington, has secured a promotion at Mercedes, stepping into the role of Head of Race Engineering. This significant career move ensures Bonnington’s continued presence with the team he has been instrumental in shaping over the years.
Bonnington, often called “Bono,” has been a vital part of Hamilton’s success since the seven-time world champion joined Mercedes in 2013. Their partnership has led to six world titles, making them one of the most successful driver-engineer duos in Formula 1 history.
With Hamilton’s upcoming switch to Ferrari next season, questions arose regarding whether Bonnington would follow him to the Italian team or remain loyal to Mercedes. However, in a statement ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, a Mercedes spokesperson confirmed that Bonnington would take on his new role immediately while continuing as Hamilton’s race engineer for the rest of the current season.
Bonnington’s promotion does not mean the end of his trackside duties. As part of the new arrangement, he will remain an engineer for one Mercedes driver next year, though it is still unclear whether he will work with George Russell or Hamilton’s replacement. Kimi Antonelli, a Mercedes protégé and rising star from F2, is rumored to be the frontrunner for the vacant seat.
This dual role mirrors the approach seen at Red Bull Racing, where Gianpiero Lambiase, Head of Race Engineering, also serves as Max Verstappen’s race engineer. The model allows teams to utilize their most experienced personnel both in leadership and on the track.
Bonnington’s journey with Mercedes spans multiple eras of the team. He began his career with them when they were still Honda, later transitioning through the Brawn GP era, and eventually settling in at Mercedes. Throughout these transformations, Bonnington has worked with legendary drivers like Michael Schumacher and Jenson Button, accumulating a wealth of experience that makes him one of the most respected figures in the paddock.
As Hamilton moves into a new chapter with Ferrari, the seasoned engineer will continue to be a crucial figure at Mercedes, maintaining the team’s high standards of excellence both on and off the track.
This next phase promises exciting developments for both Mercedes and Ferrari, as Hamilton’s new chapter unfolds and Bonnington steps into a new leadership role.