Kimi Antonelli Reflects on ‘Tense’ First Encounter with H… read more
Kimi Antonelli, the young and promising Mercedes Formula 1 rookie, has opened up about the pressure and excitement of his early days with the Silver Arrows, particularly his first encounter with Peter Bonnington — better known in the paddock as ‘Bono’, Lewis Hamilton’s longtime race engineer. Following Hamilton’s shock departure to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season, Antonelli was handed one of the most coveted — and daunting — seats in the sport: replacing a seven-time world champion at Mercedes. Though the 18-year-old Italian had established a solid relationship with team principal Toto Wolff, he still had much to prove within the team environment, especially among figures who had worked alongside Hamilton for over a decade.
One of the most crucial relationships in Formula 1 is that between a driver and their race engineer. For Hamilton, Bonnington had been not just a voice in his ear but a trusted advisor, confidant, and collaborator, playing a critical role in many of the Briton’s 103 Grand Prix victories. Taking on the role of race engineer for a rookie like Antonelli after 12 years with a seasoned champion posed a new dynamic — and Antonelli admitted it was not smooth sailing at the beginning.
Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Antonelli offered insight into their initial meeting, shedding light on the cultural and interpersonal differences that briefly made things awkward. “Very nice,” Antonelli said of their relationship. “At the beginning, I saw him a bit tense because I’m a very physical guy. I like to hug people, touch them, and Bono wasn’t used to it — he’s more ‘British’. Now that he’s opening up, I’m very happy when he comes to hug me.”
That small anecdote reflects a broader transition happening at Mercedes — one where youthful energy is gradually blending with the team’s culture of precision, professionalism, and consistency. Antonelli’s exuberance and openness may differ from Hamilton’s measured charisma, but they’re already yielding results on track.
Despite concerns from critics and fans alike about his lack of experience, Antonelli has quickly shown he belongs at the top level. Although he has yet to stand on the podium, his debut season has been marked by consistency, maturity, and promise. He has finished in the points in five of the six races so far in 2025 and notably secured his first pole position in the Miami Sprint Race earlier this month — a sign that he’s more than just a long-term investment for Mercedes. Impressively, he currently sits one place above Hamilton in the drivers’ championship, an early vindication of Toto Wolff’s faith in his protégé.
Antonelli’s strong start has not only elevated his reputation but has also helped re-establish Mercedes as a competitive force in the constructors’ championship. Alongside George Russell, who has also shown strong form in 2025, Antonelli has helped position Mercedes as the closest challengers to McLaren this season. While Red Bull, hampered by inconsistency and internal reshuffling, has slipped back in the pecking order, Mercedes appears to be steadily closing the gap to the front — a remarkable shift given the team’s recent struggles following the end of the hybrid-era dominance.
Looking ahead, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola presents another milestone for Antonelli — his first home race in Formula 1. The pressure will be intense, with grandstands filled with passionate Italian fans eager to see their new hero perform on home soil. It’s a track steeped in history and emotion, and for Antonelli, racing there as a Mercedes driver carries symbolic weight. It marks not only a personal dream come true but also the latest chapter in a season that has already defied many expectations.
For now, Antonelli remains grounded. He knows the road ahead is long and filled with challenges, but with steady support from Mercedes, growing rapport with Bonnington, and flashes of real racing brilliance, the 18-year-old is quickly cementing himself as a key player in F1’s next generation. His journey is still in its early stages, but the signs are clear: Kimi Antonelli is not just filling Hamilton’s seat — he’s forging his own legacy.
