Lewis Hamilton breaks silence on race engineer ‘Bono’ not following him to Ferrari
Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton expressed his thoughts on Peter Bonnington deciding to stay at Mercedes for the foreseeable future.
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Lewis Hamilton and Peter Bonnington, image via PlanetF1
Lewis Hamilton spent over a decade at Mercedes, forming strong bonds, especially with his race engineer, Peter Bennington. Bono has been Hamilton’s engineer since 2013 when the Briton drove his first season for the team. Together, they have amassed six world titles and 84 Grands Prix over their 10 years period. With Hamilton set to leave the team at the end of this year, he might’ve hoped that the 49-year-old to will follow him to Ferrari. However, Mercedes would not let him go, especially since another key figure had recently left, and instead, they extended his contract.
Lewis Hamilton in an interview hoped that he could partner up with his race engineer Peter Bonnington at Ferrari. He expressed the desire to keep working with Bono because they have a strong bond and get well together. However, the 39-year-old moved on with that thought and accepted they won’t be together anymore after Mercedes extended his contract. Hamilton was very happy for his close friend and supported his decision, because he values their friendship and respects what was best for him.
Was I hoping [he would join Ferrari]? I would have loved to continue with him. We have a great relationship. I love him, he’s like a brother, but I’m really, really happy for him.Lewis Hamilton said, as reported by Pitdebrief.com
Lewis Hamilton believed that people should always do what is best for them for longer period of time. He understood that making a big decision like moving or leaving a job affects not just the person but also their partner. So, whatever decision Bono made regarding his future, the seven-time world champion was happy with that. Therefore, Hamilton reckoned that such decisions involved a lot of consideration for everyone involved.
For me, I think it’s just about people doing what’s best for [themselves]. Packing up and leaving, I could only imagine – it’s not him and his partner.Lewis Hamilton added.
Lewis Hamilton reveals what he needs from his Ferrari race engineer
Lewis Hamilton expressed that he wants to work with someone, with whom he’ll get along very well. He mentioned that it is important for him to find someone who is easy to build strong relationships with and who he can trust completely. This was because Hamilton believed having a good connection and trust is crucial for working effectively together.
It’s got to be someone you get on with, it’s got to be someone that you ultimately are able to find it easy to build a relationship with and trust.Lewis Hamilton stated.
Certainly, Lewis Hamilton believed that a successful partnership relies on mutual understanding and confidence in each other’s abilities. He expects an engineer who has a work ethic like Bono and with whom he can build trust. For now, The 39-year-old and Bono will race together for the final 10 rounds before parting ways after 11 years.
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Gaurang Kadam
(535 Articles Published)