SUMMARY
- Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari sparks speculation in the F1 community about Peter Bonnington's future with Mercedes.
- Rumors of Bonnington's transfer to Ferrari are dispelled due to an anti-poaching clause, leading to Riccardo Adami's selection.
Ever since Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton announced his transfer to Ferrari in 2025, a stir has erupted within the Formula 1 community. The Briton ended his longstanding relationship with Silver Arrows with his new agreement. Due to this development, it was obvious that Hamilton would bring along his trusted ally, Peter Bonnington. This speculation spells trouble for Mercedes since Bonnington, or Bono is a masterclass engineer within the team.
However, the latest update regarding the matter has dispelled all rumors. According to Deni, who goes by the username (@fiagirly), due to an anti-poaching clause, Bonnington’s transfer to Ferrari was halted. Nevertheless, Hamilton, in coordination with team principal Frederic Vasseur, opted for Riccardo Adami to fill the role.
#F1 | Riccardo Adami, Sainz’s race engineer, set to be Lewis Hamilton’s right hand in 2025. 🚨
As an anti-poach clause complicates Peter Bonnington’s move to Maranello, Fred Vasseur says that Adami is sufficiently prepared to team up with the Hamilton. Apparently, this solution…
— deni (@fiagirly) March 15, 2024
Adami has been at Ferrari since 2015, where he worked with German driver Sebastian Vettel before taking on the role of race engineer for Carlos Sainz. The Italian engineer made his F1 debut with Minardi in 2002. Due to his dedication and years of hard work, he was promoted to be a race engineer in 2005.
Fans left disheartened as Bono misses out on Ferrari move
The relationship between Bono and the 7x champion is among the most celebrated pairings in the paddock. Many wonder whether the chemistry between the renowned duo was the reason behind their immense success over the years. However, with the conclusion of the lengthy 2024 season, fans have felt saddened by the realization that they will not be able to see Bono and Hamilton together.
While many were disheartened by the news that the 39-year-old driver will be partnering with Adami in the following season, many remain optimistic. A fan who goes by the username (@JackieF1nut) wrote on X, “Well he would say that at the moment, wouldn’t he? Although tbf Bono would have a year’s gardening leave anyhow.”
Their camaraderie also gave birth to the iconic radio message, “It’s hammer time!”, which was in reference to Hamilton’s surname.
Lewis Hamilton & Bono: A decade of F1 dominance
It is crucial to maintain a healthy bond for an F1 driver with their race engineer. Peter Bonnington, often heard over the radio on the Mercedes pit wall, has been a key figure in the team. Although Hamilton wishes to keep the British engineer by his side, their partnership is slated to end soon after 12 long years.
“I think we’ve got one of the longest, if not the longest standing driver-engineer partnerships that there’s been, and he’s been hugely integral to my success. He’s like a brother to me, a brother from another mother.” – Lewis Hamilton on Pete ‘Bono’ Bonnington #F1 pic.twitter.com/x0Uha1F81r
— Simon Dau (@there_is_no_if) January 14, 2023
Before teaming up with Hamilton, Bono had worked with Formula 1 legend, Michael Schumacher. Unfortunately, Schumacher’s retirement led to the pairing of Hamilton and Bono. Their collaboration bore fruit when the British sensation clinched his first victory in Mercedes colors at the Hungaroring.
While speaking about their relationship, Hamilton said, “I mean with Bono it has been the longest engineer partnership that I’ve experienced and it’s been amazing. But it’s been tough. He’s had some real difficult times as well in his journey and we’ve been there, through it, together.” However, it is certain that the famed engineer will not be making it to Maranello anytime soon.