Lewis Hamilton’s long-time race engineer Peter Bonnington, also known as Bono, surprised the seven-time world champion ahead of his move to Ferrari. Bonnington made a special appearance wearing Hamilton’s signature outfit from Tommy Hilfiger, leaving Hamilton pleasantly surprised.
The surprise moment occurred as Hamilton bid farewell to Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the end of his nearly decade-long partnership with Bonnington. With Hamilton set to join Ferrari next season, Bonnington donned the iconic sky-blue denim outfit that Hamilton often wore during his paddock appearances. The gesture left Hamilton visibly touched, showcasing the bond between the driver and his race engineer.
Taking to Instagram, Hamilton shared a series of photos with Bonnington, captioning it as “Two legends. Bono and Tommy.” The images captured the camaraderie and respect shared between the two as they prepare for the next chapter in their respective careers.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari comes after he signed a multi-year deal with the Italian team earlier this year. Despite initially having a one-plus-one-year contract, Hamilton decided to commit to racing for Ferrari from 2025 onwards, marking a significant shift in his Formula 1 journey.
During his time at Mercedes, Hamilton achieved unprecedented success, winning six out of his seven world titles with the team. His partnership with Mercedes yielded 84 victories, 78 pole positions, and 78 podium finishes, solidifying his status as one of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history.
As Hamilton bids farewell to Mercedes, the entire team, including teammate George Russell, team principal Toto Wolff, and race engineer Peter Bonnington, expressed their gratitude and well wishes for the departing driver. Hamilton will now reunite with his former F2 team boss Fred Vasseur and teammate Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, replacing Carlos Sainz, who moved to Williams.
Reflecting on his close relationship with Bonnington, Hamilton praised the engineer for his unwavering support throughout their partnership. The duo’s iconic catchphrase “Hammer-Time” became synonymous with their on-track success, symbolizing their shared dedication and commitment to achieving greatness.
As Hamilton embarks on a new chapter with Ferrari, the bond between him and Bonnington serves as a testament to the enduring friendships forged in the high-pressure world of Formula 1. The duo’s journey together may be coming to an end, but their legacy of teamwork and success will continue to inspire fans and fellow competitors alike.
