Lewis Hamilton's engineer speaks out on being told to 'shut up' by Mercedes star
Lewis Hamilton sent an uncompromising message to his race engineer during the British Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer Peter Bonnington has insisted he knew the driver was in the mood to win the British Grand Prix after the seven-time F1 world champion told him to “shut up” over the team radio. The Mercedes star got the better of Red Bull ace Max Verstappen to win his first Grand Prix in 945 days.
Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari at the end of the year, has endured a miserable time on the track over the last two-and-a-half years since missing out on the F1 title at Abu Dhabi in 2021.
But he turned back the years as the 2024 championship came to England as he finished ahead of the reigning champion and McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Related articles
Bonnington spoke to Sky Sports after the Grand Prix had come to an end and gave his verdict on Hamilton’s in-race demand as he explained: “I wouldn’t say [there was] zero doubt [about the result], but when he gets the bit between his teeth… As soon as I get told to shut up, I know the game is on.”
The 49-year-old, who is affectionately known as Bono, had told the broadcaster moments earlier: “I wouldn’t say [I was] crying [at the end]. I had something in my eye.
“It’s an emotional one. It’s been a long, long time. He and I have been working hard, trying to get back there. Baby steps. It has taken a lot of them, so far.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“The feedback he gave me, on the initial stint balance, it wasn’t great. We knew where we needed to correct the car. I think we put the car in a really good position for the final stint to allow him to push.
“You knew the front tyre would be weak. So you had to make sure you’ve got enough front end in there to protect it. He does a great job. When it comes down to the wire, he’s the one who will manage the tyres and get you to the end.”
Jenson Button, who won the F1 world title in 2009, then addressed the connection between Bonnington and Hamilton as he said: “You need that relationship with an engineer, that understanding.
“Because racing driver language is weird. And engineer language is weird. Having that relationship and understanding makes a big difference when it comes to strategy and set-up.
“Lewis has got that with Bono. It changes next year [when Hamilton moves to Ferrari].”