Mercedes have every reason to celebrate right now. Why? The team has succeeded in retaining their most successful race engineer, Peter Bonnington aka, Bono. There had been speculations that Lewis Hamilton would attempt to poach the 50-year-old into Ferrari. However, Toto Wolff and Co. didn’t let that plan pass the chequered flag. How could they let the tactical champ go so easily? The team put a stop-cork on Hamilton’s plans, and now they rejoice.  Meanwhile, George Russell seems to be the happiest person following the news.

Promoted to Head of Race Engineering, Bono will use his tactical brilliance and assistance to help both Russell and his future teammate (possibly Kimi Antonelli) next season onwards. Bono’s accolades and achievements are a treasure trove for Mercedes. Moreover, having Peter Bonnington in the squad means salvation for George Russell. It goes without saying that Russell will now become the Mercedes No.1, so the race engineer’s guidance will play a big role in his career ahead. The Briton is over the moon, following Bono’s retention.

George Russell said: “He has been an integral part of the team’s success for so, so many years, and even before the Mercedes days back at Brawn, as well.” Bono had been the 26-year-old’s race engineer in Sakhir 2022, where Russell debuted in F1 with the Silver Arrows. Russell further said: “And, it is great news that he is staying on with us next year. There have been a lot of rumors and speculation about whether he would go with Lewis,” adding, “But I think there’s only a benefit to me having the promotion for Bono… is almost having an extra set of eyes overlooking the work that we are doing, and I think it is only going to strengthen our squad even further.”

Bono has won six out of seven world championships as Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer. There is no doubt that he is an asset to Mercedes. And fans would genuinely miss hearing “Get in there Lewis” from 2025 onwards. But there comes such a time in the lifetime of the greatest duos in F1 to part ways. Bono-Lewis are just like Vettel-Rocky, the Red Bull duo won 4 consecutive titles from 2010 to 2013. Mercedes surely didn’t want to lose him to Ferrari, especially after already parting with Lewis Hamilton and several other key figures, Bono’s exit would’ve been a massive blow.

New race engineer for Hamilton at Ferrari as Bono stays at Mercedes

The first few races in 2025, will feel odd, given Peter Bonnington won’t be there to assist the 7x champ in Ferrari. Mercedes played a brilliant game of chess here with Lewis Hamilton. How? The F1 ace had been trying his best to take Bono with him to Maranello. Just when we thought the partnership would continue, Mercedes aligned their best cards for the game.

Over the last 12 years with the Silver Arrows, Bono has won six driver’s titles and seven constructor’s championships. So, Toto Wolff thought it was the perfect time to hand over an outstanding promotion to the 50-year-old. Coincidence? We guess not! Peter Bonnington’s new role is with immediate effect, however he will continue as Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer till the end of the season. Bono will continue to engineer one of Mercedes’ drivers in 2025 as well, this could possibly be George Russell, but Antonelli is of course not off the list.

Moreover, his experience in the sport will channel new skills and tactics for the still-new-to-the-sport George and rookie Antonelli. Peter Bonnington has been key to Mercedes‘ F1 success over the past two decades and will continue his influence.

The most decorated race engineer of F1, Peter Bonnington will now continue his journey without his longtime partner Lewis Hamilton. All these years they’ve given endless cherishable moments to the fans, and the duo will surely be missed. And maybe, the time has come for George Russell to take guidance from Bono and turn his races and wins into significant titles, just like Hamilton did.