Hamilton goes to Ferrari, but Bonnington stays at Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton's race engineer, Pete Bonnington, has been confirmed as the new head of race engineering at Mercedes for 2025, ensuring his stay with the team despite Hamilton's move to Ferrari at the end of the season. With this promotion, Bonnington will continue his current duties with Hamilton until the end of the year, before taking on a broader role within the German team.

Bonnington, who has been a crucial figure in Hamilton's career since 2013, was instrumental in the driver's six world championships with Mercedes. The announcement of Hamilton's move to Ferrari in 2025, after more than a decade with Mercedes, sparked speculation about whether Bonnington would follow his trusted driver to Italy. However, Mercedes has confirmed that Bonnington will remain with the team, taking on additional responsibilities.

This move highlights Mercedes' strategy to maintain stability within its technical team while preparing for the post-Hamilton era. The departure of the British driver, who has been synonymous with success for Mercedes, opens the door to a new dynamic within the team. George Russell, who has already established himself as a strong competitor, will be a central figure in Mercedes' pursuit to continue its legacy of excellence in Formula 1.

Mercedes' future will now depend on how they manage the transition, both in terms of their driver lineup and adapting to Bonnington's new technical leadership. Meanwhile, Hamilton, who will join Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, will seek to revitalize the Italian team with his vast experience, while leaving a significant void at Mercedes.