Lewis Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari has brought many changes to the Formula 1 paddock. Apart from switching cars and teams, the British driver has also parted ways with his longtime race engineer, Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington. The two coined the iconic slogan, “hammertime.”
Since his debut season with Mercedes in 2013, Hamilton asked Bonnington to use the term ‘hammertime’ instead of asking him to push. The phrase quickly became synonymous with the British driver’s dominance and became a favorite moment for fans during races. However, as their professional partnership has come to an end, Ferrari engineer Riccardo Adami has to find a new counterpart.
Speaking about his final race with Mercedes in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton emotionally recounted the last radio call of “hammertime” from Bonnington. He explained while holding back tears.
“This morning it dawned on me. When he said it to me, I was like, ‘I can’t even remember the last time you said ‘hammertime’ to me,'” he said.
“I remember I said to Bono to wish me goodnight at our first year together. I was like, ‘Don’t just tell me to go faster, say that it’s dinnertime and I know what that is.'”
“It’s been an incredible journey with Bono. He’s been one of my closest friends for years.”
“This is something I didn’t expect because he worked with Michael Schumacher – he’s worked with great drivers and for a long time, he’s always been by my side.”
“For an engineer to remain by someone’s side, even though it can be frustrating and painful at times – he’s been by my side every day tirelessly.”
Responding to speculation about whether he will bring the phrase to Ferrari, Hamilton confirmed during F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain.
“I haven’t talked to my engineer about it,” he said. “I don’t know how it sounds with an Italian accent, so I may have to find a word in Italian. We might come up with something new.”
“Why Bonnington Stayed at Mercedes”
After Hamilton announced his surprise contract signing with Ferrari, many speculated that Bonnington would follow him to the Maranello-based team. However, in 2024, it was announced that the British engineer had received a promotion at Mercedes, solidifying his long-term future with the Silver Arrows.
Speaking about Bonnington’s decision, Hamilton explained at the time.
“I think around seven years ago maybe, or five years ago, something like that, I remember there was some sort of, maybe a joke, that it would be amazing to be there (at Ferrari) one day, but no, we haven’t had discussions about it (Bono joining me there),” he explained.
“I’m very happy for Bono. I just want him to do whatever’s best for him. Wherever he is in his life, he needs to make the best decisions for what is best for him and his family.”
“It doesn’t change anything, really, between us. We can’t work alongside, next to each other, every day, and that would be sad for both of us – it would be emotional. However, we will always be there in each other’s lives. Bono is my brother.”
“I’m very happy that the team has recruited him, and he has a great opportunity to further develop within the team, as he is a very valuable asset to the team.”
