Lewis Hamilton’s long-time race engineer, Pete Bonnington, will take on an expanded role at Mercedes as head of race engineering. While continuing his duties for Hamilton until the end of the 2024 season. Bonnington, who has been a-key figure in Hamilton’s success, will remain with Mercedes in 2025 as Hamilton departs for Ferrari.
Bonnington, who joined Mercedes in 2013 alongside Hamilton, played a pivotal role in the driver’s six world championships with team. Despite speculation that he might follow Hamilton to Ferrari, Mercedes has now confirmed that Bonnington will stay on. Where he will serve as the race engineer for one of the team’s two drivers next year.
A Mercedes spokesperson confirmed Bonnington’s continued involvement with the team, highlighting his integral role in their operations. As he transitions into his new position, Bonnington will bring his wealth of experience and success to the broader race engineering department at Mercedes.
The partnership between Hamilton and Bonnington has been one of the most successful in Formula 1 history, with the duo sharing countless victories and podiums. Their collaboration was highlighted most recently at the British Grand Prix in July. Where Hamilton secured his first win in two and a half years. The emotional triumph was a testament to their enduring partnership.
“I wouldn’t say crying, I had something in my eye,” Bonnington, affectionately known as “Bono,” told Sky Sports after the win, reflecting on the significance of the moment. “It’s been a long, long time, and he and I have been working hard trying to get back there. Baby steps, but it’s taken a lot of them so far.”
As Hamilton prepares to join Ferrari, he will reunite with several familiar faces, including former Mercedes engineer Loic Serra. Loic Serra will join Ferrari as Head of Chassis Performance Engineering in October, and Jock Clear will also reunite with Hamilton. Who worked with Hamilton during his first two years at Mercedes. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur also has a strong relationship with Hamilton from their time together at ART Grand Prix.
Meanwhile, Mercedes has shown strong form recently, winning three of the last four grands prix—two for Hamilton and one for teammate George Russell—as the 2024 F1 season resumes this weekend at Zandvoort. Bonnington’s expanded role should further bolster Mercedes’ performance as they push for success in the competitive Formula 1 world.
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