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. Hamilton is believed to be extraordinarily happy that his engineer has been given a promotion.

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

Nonetheless, Bonnington will keep at Mercedes and is ready to be race engineer for one of many workforce’s two drivers in 2025. George Russell has a contract till the top 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 turning 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 have been preventing for victories, which was a sign to push onerous earlier than a pit cease.

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

Mercedes have gained three of the final 4 F1 races forward of this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, with Hamilton selecting up the victory final outing in Belgium after Russell was disqualified for an underweight automobile.

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 remaining 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 Crimson Bull and McLaren by way of outright tempo, so might play a task within the Constructors’ Championship battle in the event that they take factors away from their rivals.

Crimson 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 Crimson Bull.

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

“We’ll look to proceed that progress into the ultimate 10 races of the season. We all know now we have floor to make up. We aren’t but in a position to 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 monitor. With its banked corners, high-speed sections, and slim structure, 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 dwell 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, dwell on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime.

Sky Sports activities+ has formally launched and might be built-in into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities clients entry to over 50 per cent extra dwell sport this yr at no additional value. Discover out extra right here.