Mercedes to Decide on Peter Bonnington’s Future Before Hamilton’s Ferrari Switch
As Lewis Hamilton prepares for the most high-profile transfer in recent Formula 1 history, attention has now turned to one key figure who has been instrumental in his success his race engineer, Peter Bonnington, affectionately known across the paddock as “Bono.” With Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 confirmed, Mercedes is under pressure to clarify Bonnington’s future, potentially reshaping the dynamic of two F1 giants.
The Longest Partnership on the Grid
In a sport where relationships are often fleeting and high-pressure, the bond between Lewis Hamilton and Peter Bonnington is one of the most enduring and successful in F1 history. Since 2013, “Bono” has been Hamilton’s voice in his ear through 6 world championships, 82 wins, and countless defining moments.
Their radio exchanges have become iconic. From “Get in there, Lewis!” to “My tyres are gone, Bono!”, their communication represents one of the sport’s most cohesive and intuitive driver-engineer pairings. So when Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari starting in 2025, many fans and insiders immediately asked: Will Bono go with him?
Mercedes’ Dilemma
According to reports from the paddock, Mercedes is now actively working to resolve Bonnington’s future, with the goal of making a final decision before the end of the 2024 season.
Team principal Toto Wolff has acknowledged the importance of the relationship between Hamilton and Bono but also highlighted that Bonnington is a Mercedes asset with deep ties to the team’s engineering structure.
“Peter is not just Lewis’s race engineer. He’s a key part of how our race team operates. Of course, we understand the bond between them, and we’ll have conversations at the right time,” said Wolff in a recent interview.
The options appear to be clear: either Bonnington remains at Mercedes to mentor a new driver or younger talent in 2025, or he follows Hamilton to Ferrari a move that would be both technically delicate and politically sensitive.
What Would It Mean for Ferrari?
Bringing Peter Bonnington to Ferrari could be a masterstroke for the Scuderia. It would give Hamilton a familiar and trusted voice during a pivotal transition year and accelerate the team’s adaptation to his driving style and feedback preferences.
However, integrating a senior Mercedes engineer into Ferrari’s operations is easier said than done. Ferrari has its own complex technical ecosystem and established race engineers especially for Charles Leclerc, who will remain with the team and expect equal treatment.
If Bono were to join Ferrari, he would either need to displace an existing race engineer or move into a hybrid role perhaps overseeing both cars or working more closely with Hamilton’s side of the garage without officially taking the radio.
Moreover, such a move could trigger gardening leave requirements, delaying his availability for part of 2025 and creating tension between Mercedes and Ferrari.
What Does Bono Want?
Peter Bonnington has remained silent publicly since the Hamilton-Ferrari announcement. Those close to the team suggest he is still undecided, weighing professional loyalty to Mercedes against the unique bond and challenge of continuing with Hamilton at Ferrari.
After over a decade at the sharp end of F1, Bono may also be considering a new position off the pit wall entirely perhaps in performance management, team development, or mentoring within Mercedes’ broader racing operations.
However, if Hamilton has a say in it, there’s little doubt he would want Bono by his side.
“Bono is not just my engineer, he’s my teammate,” Hamilton once said. “We’ve built this journey together. He knows how I think before I even say a word.”
Such synergy isn’t built overnight and Ferrari, if serious about giving Hamilton the best environment to succeed, will likely explore every possibility to bring Bonnington on board.
Mercedes’ 2025 Line-up Plans
Mercedes faces a pivotal 2025 reset. With Hamilton’s departure, George Russell is set to take the lead, and the team must decide whether to promote a young driver like Kimi Antonelli or look externally for experience.
Whoever fills Hamilton’s shoes will need the right support and keeping Bono could provide a steadying influence. His experience, calm under pressure, and deep technical understanding could be vital in integrating a new driver.
From a team strategy perspective, Wolff must now balance Hamilton’s personal preferences with Mercedes’ long-term continuity.
A Crucial Decision
The final call on Peter Bonnington’s future is expected to come by late 2024, giving both teams enough time to plan their staffing structures for 2025. Whether Bono stays in Brackley or crosses over to Maranello, his decision will carry major implications for both Mercedes and Ferrari.
This isn’t just about one engineer it’s about rhythm, trust, and competitive edge in the highest-pressure environment in motorsport.
🚨 | Lewis Hamilton will bring several Mercedes engineers with him to Ferrari.
— formularacers (@formularacers_) February 2, 2024
Peter "Bono" Bonnington would be welcomed by Maranello.
[@GiulyDuchessa] pic.twitter.com/Gz1lo6EYE4
Conclusion: The Human Side of a Historic Move
As Lewis Hamilton prepares to write a new chapter with Ferrari, his most trusted ally may soon face a crossroads of his own. Peter Bonnington’s future will not only impact Hamilton’s adjustment to red overalls but could also reshape the competitive landscape between F1’s two most legendary teams.
Whatever Bono decides, one thing is certain: his voice has become an essential part of Hamilton’s legacy. The paddock waits to see if that voice will follow him into the scarlet garage or remain at the heart of Mercedes’ next era.