In a stunning twist that could reshape the dynamics of Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton's long-time race engineer Peter 'Bono' Bonnington is reportedly in advanced talks to join Ferrari. The move would see one of Hamilton's most trusted allies defect to the Scuderia, potentially as early as the 2025 season.
Mercedes Braces for Major Loss
Bonnington, who has been instrumental in Hamilton's six world championships with Mercedes, is said to be considering the switch as part of Ferrari's aggressive recruitment drive. The Italian team has been poaching top talent from rivals, having already secured Hamilton himself for 2025.
Why This Move Matters
The potential departure of 'Bono' would represent a seismic shift in F1's engineering landscape:
- Bonnington has worked with Hamilton since 2013, forming one of the most successful driver-engineer partnerships in F1 history
- His technical expertise and strategic mind have been crucial to Mercedes' dominance
- The move could accelerate Ferrari's championship ambitions with both Hamilton and his trusted engineer
Ferrari's Masterstroke?
Sky Sports F1's Ted Kravitz first broke the news, suggesting that Ferrari's approach represents a calculated attempt to recreate Hamilton's Mercedes success at Maranello. "This isn't just about getting Lewis - it's about giving him the exact support system he needs to win," Kravitz noted.
While Mercedes has remained tight-lipped about the situation, insiders suggest the team is preparing contingency plans should Bonnington depart. The Brackley-based squad faces the prospect of rebuilding its technical team after already losing other key personnel to rival teams.
What Comes Next?
The F1 world is now waiting to see if:
- Bonnington will complete the 2024 season with Mercedes
- Ferrari can finalise the deal before the summer break
- Mercedes can convince their star engineer to stay
One thing is certain - this potential move has sent shockwaves through the paddock and could dramatically alter the balance of power in Formula 1 for years to come.
