Lewis Hamilton has spent almost a decade with the Silver Arrows. With a dominating stint, the Briton was ruthless on track, winning six world titles with the team. The entire Mercedes crew backed the seven-time world champion during this incredible journey. Therefore, he shares an unbreakable bond with some of the team members. Whether it’s the team chief, Toto Wolff or his race engineer, Peter Bonnigton, Lewis considers them close friends.
Hence, when the news of his Ferrari move surfaced, it was a shocker for the German Marque. Moreover, there have been some tensions between management and Hamilton due to lacklustre performance. However, things have settled down after the team’s upturn. As a result, the 39-year-old is slightly emotional, leaving his close friends behind in teh quest for a record-breaking eighth world title.
Hamilton Exaplims The Reason Behind Bono’s Disinterest In Joining Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton recently opened up about the challenges he anticipates as he transitions to a new team. He acknowledged that while he knows a few people within the organization, like his former colleague Jock, his familiarity with the team is limited beyond that. Further, the Briton admitted that he would have loved to continue working with his race engineer, Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington, with whom he shares a deep bond. Describing Bono as “like a brother,” Hamilton expressed his happiness for Bono’s career progression within Mercedes, understanding the difficulties of uprooting one’s life for a new opportunity.
However, Hamilton recognized that it would have been unlikely for Bono to join him due to the significant changes it would impose on both his and his partner’s lives. However, he is pleased that the team has acknowledged Bono’s contributions and provided a path for further growth. Despite the professional separation, Hamilton emphasized that their relationship remains strong, stating that they will always be like family.
Looking ahead, the 39-year-old racer reflected on the challenge of building a new relationship with a different race engineer. He noted the importance of trust and the ease of communication in such partnerships, admitting that determining whether the new relationship will work will be a process of discovery. Acknowledging the difficulties of such transitions, he likened them to anyone moving into a new office. He predicted that the early part of next year would be particularly challenging as he adjusts to the changes.
Hamilton And Bonnington’s Bond Will Thrive Beyond The Paddock
The Mercedes starlet expressed his genuine happiness for Bonnington, emphasizing that he wanted Bono to make the best decision for himself and his family. Hamilton acknowledged that while they would no longer be working side by side, their bond remains strong, describing Bono as a brother who will always be a part of his life. Although their separation will be emotional, Hamilton is pleased that the team has recognized Bono’s value and provided him with a significant opportunity to grow within the organization. He highlighted Bono’s importance to the team, underlining the positive future ahead for his longtime engineer.