Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes F1 driver’s engineer Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington to remain at Mercedes after Ferrari hyperlinks | F1 Information

Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer Peter Bonnington has been given a promotion at Mercedes and won’t be part of the seven-time world champion at Ferrari.

Sky Sports activities Information understands Bonnington, often known as ‘Bono’ has moved as much as head of race engineering however will stay as Hamilton’s race engineer for the rest of the season.

When Hamilton introduced his shock transfer to Ferrari for subsequent yr, Bonnington was instantly linked to hitch the British driver on the Scuderia.

Nevertheless, Bonnington will keep at Mercedes and is about to be race engineer for one of many group’s two drivers in 2025. George Russell has a contract till the tip of subsequent yr and Mercedes are but to announce his team-mate, however the favorite is Formulation 2 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Bonnington was Michael Schumacher’s race engineer at Mercedes for 18 months earlier than changing into the voice in Hamilton’s ear when he joined the Silver Arrows in 2013.

He turned well-known for his “it’s hammer time Lewis” radio message to Hamilton after they had been combating for victories, which was a sign to push arduous earlier than a pit cease.

The pair have received six drivers’ titles collectively at Mercedes, together with 84 race wins and 78 pole positions. Bonnington was on the rostrum with Hamilton when he received this yr’s British Grand Prix to finish a two-and-a-half yr winless streak on an emotional day for the group.

Mercedes have received three of the final 4 F1 races forward of this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, with Hamilton choosing up the victory final day out in Belgium after Russell was disqualified for an underweight automotive.

Wolff vows Mercedes can ‘shut hole’ in championships as F1 returns

Hamilton will look so as to add to his two wins this season within the ultimate 10 races of 2024 earlier than he leaves Mercedes.

The 39-year-old goes into Zandvoort on the again of three podiums earlier than the summer season break, together with wins at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps.

Mercedes have made massive strides to catch Pink Bull and McLaren when it comes to outright tempo, so may play a job within the Constructors’ Championship battle in the event that they take factors away from their rivals.

Pink Bull lead McLaren by 42 factors within the standings, with Ferrari 63 factors adrift of the defending champions. Russell’s disqualification in Belgium means Mercedes are 142 factors away from Pink Bull.

“Ahead of the summer break, we built momentum with an improved car and stronger results,” mentioned Mercedes group principal Toto Wolff.

“We are going to look to proceed that progress into the ultimate 10 races of the season. We all know we’ve floor to make up. We’re not but capable of compete for victories at each Grand Prix.

“We have made good steps in improving the W15’s weaknesses though and will continue to work hard to take more. If we can do so, then we will close the gap to those ahead in both championships.

“Zandvoort is a difficult observe. With its banked corners, high-speed sections, and slender format, it has an old-school really feel.

“The passionate Dutch fans always create a great atmosphere. It is a good place to get back to work and we’re excited for the challenges ahead over the rest of the season.”

Sky Sports activities F1’s reside Dutch GP schedule

Thursday August 22
12.30pm: Drivers press convention

Friday August 23
9.05am: F1 Academy: Apply One
11am: Dutch GP Apply One (session begins 11.30am)
2.45pm: Dutch GP Apply Two (session begins 3pm)
4.25pm: F1 Academy: Apply Two
5.15pm: The F1 Present

Saturday August 24
9.10am: F1 Academy: Qualifying
10.15am: Dutch GP Apply Three (session begins 10.30am)
1pm: Dutch GP Qualifying build-up
2pm: DUTCH GP QUALIFYING
4pm: F1 Academy: Race One

Sunday August 25
9.40am: F1 Academy: Race Two
12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Dutch GP build-up
2pm: The DUTCH GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Dutch GP response

Formulation 1 returns after the summer season break with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort this weekend, reside on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime.

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