Kimi Antonelli’s ongoing rookie season has featured amusing interactions with his Mercedes race engineer, Peter Bonnington, known as Bono. Recently, Mercedes’ official Formula 1 page shared a lighthearted video showing the young Italian driver filming Bono while the engineer was distracted by listening to music, unaware of Antonelli’s presence.
Bono, who has been a pivotal figure behind the scenes with legendary drivers such as Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, now supports Mercedes’ newest rising star, Antonelli. Together, the two have participated in 14 Grand Prix weekends so far, building a seasoned partnership despite Antonelli’s newcomer status.
Antonelli’s Promising First Season with Mercedes
Through his debut year, Antonelli has secured 64 points, including a notable sprint race pole position at the Miami Grand Prix and achieving his first career podium at the Canadian Grand Prix. While the pair concentrate on maximizing race results, their camaraderie off track adds a lighter side to their working relationship.
The viral clip captures Antonelli trying several times to get Bono’s attention in the debrief room. Bono, absorbed in his music, only finally responds after multiple attempts, saying:
“Listening to bicep today… Is that alright?”
—Peter Bonnington, Race Engineer
Bono has remained with the Brackley-based Mercedes team since before it adopted its current identity, working through the team’s previous incarnation as Honda.
Antonelli Praises Bono for His F1 Expertise and Guidance
Peter Bonnington’s journey in Formula 1 began in 2004, well before Antonelli was born, giving the Briton vast experience and a unique perspective within the sport. Having worked alongside world champions Schumacher and Hamilton, Bono is widely regarded as one of the sport’s top race engineers.
Antonelli expressed his admiration for Bono’s guidance during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, stating:
“I think having someone like Bono, it’s amazing. It’s a very big privilege because he has worked with two of the best drivers in the history of Formula 1. He worked with Michael [Schumacher] and then he worked with Lewis [Hamilton] for many years.
“So having someone with so much knowledge and experience really helps you because obviously I have so many new scenarios that I would have to go through, so many new scenarios that I will have to face, so many new things that I will have to learn. And having someone like him that has so much experience definitely, it’s really helpful because it can really guide you in every situation and… So I feel really lucky to have someone like him.”
—Kimi Antonelli, F1 Driver
This mentorship is invaluable as Antonelli navigates the challenges of his first season in Formula 1, dealing with unfamiliar situations and increasing pressures.
Antonelli Eyes Record-Breaking Debut Season
With ten races left in the season, Kimi Antonelli is closing in on an ambitious target: surpassing the debut points record set by his predecessor at Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton accumulated 109 points during his rookie year in 2007 with McLaren, a milestone Antonelli is determined to exceed as he continues to develop his career with the team.
The bond between Antonelli and Bono, combining youthful talent and seasoned experience, could prove decisive as they push for strong results in the coming rounds.