Hamilton's Engineer Turns Down Ferrari Offer

Lewis Hamilton's long-time race engineer, Peter Bonnington, will not accompany the seven-time Formula 1 champion to Ferrari next season, as he has been promoted to head of race engineering at Mercedes. Bonnington, affectionately known as "Bono," has been a pivotal figure in Hamilton's success over the past 12 years, contributing to six world titles with the team. As Hamilton prepares to leave Mercedes at the end of the current season, Bonnington's new role will see him overseeing race engineering while also serving as a race engineer for either George Russell or Hamilton's anticipated successor. The 49-year-old Bonnington's promotion comes as Hamilton transitions to Ferrari, where Italian F2 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli is expected to partner with Russell in 2025. Despite their close relationship, highlighted by Bonnington's presence on the podium after Hamilton's recent victory at the British Grand Prix, a "non-poaching clause" in Hamilton's contract prevents him from bringing Bonnington to Maranello. Starting next year, Bonnington will report to Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes' trackside engineering director, focusing on the engineering aspects of race weekends. This dual role mirrors that of Max Verstappen's engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, at Red Bull, who also serves as both the driver’s voice and head of race engineering. As the F1 season resumes with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, Hamilton aims to secure three wins in the remaining four races, marking a significant chapter in his illustrious career.