Race engineer Bono on Kimi Antonelli: A consummate professional and a huge talent

With a third-place finish on Sunday in Mexico, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was crowned the youngest Formula 1 world champion in the history of the series. The young Italian is having an impressive season, making hardly any mistakes. It was clear from early on this season that he would clinch the title this year. Now it’s mathematically certain!

Former Hamilton engineer Bono: Antonelli has matured

On his way to this record-breaking title (youngest champion, first Italian since 1953), Antonelli always had one special man in his ear: his race engineer Peter Bonnington, known as Bono. The Brit, who had previously worked for years with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, raved about his world champion after the Mexican Grand Prix: “It’s simply stunning. I think that’s the right word. It’s been an incredible journey with him. He’s really come into his own this year. He’s developed into the world champion he is today. It’s been a year that’s been a real pleasure. It’s the way he’s brought that element to the team. But he’s the consummate professional and simply a massive talent.” At just 20 years and 68 days old, Antonelli is world champion – in his second F1 season. Only three drivers have achieved this so far, including a certain Lewis Hamilton.

Three Formula 1 GPs stand out

Bono looks back on the shared highlights that led Antonelli to the title: “There are three outstanding races, and I think people will know which three races those are. For me, Monaco was something very special. It’s one of those races where, if you win it, I reckon your fellow drivers respect you even more. And the way he managed it was simply incredible. And then the race at Monza – just: wow. I remember turning round and thinking: ‘Oh, so that’s what the back of the field looks like.’ Antonelli had to serve an engine penalty, which he took at Monza, meaning he started well back in the field – and went on to win.

Kimi Antonelli mit seinem Renningenieur Peter «Bono» Bonnington in Singapur

Foto: XPB Images

Bono recalls the comeback: “And then it began; he was unstoppable. And then last weekend in Austin – that was the performance of a champion. It was the one-stop strategy against the two-stop strategy. There’s that mental pressure in the car: the thought that you’re going to be caught, that you’re going to be overtaken, that it’s bound to happen – but no, he just kept his head down, continued to set his lap times and came out on top in the end.’ Antonelli had won in Austin, but was just narrowly unable to celebrate the title due to his rivals’ higher finishing positions.

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World Champion Kimi Antonelli: record-breaker, heart-breaker, the Tifosi’s dream

With his third-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest of the 36 Formula 1 world champions to date. The 20-year-old Italian is on a record-breaking run. The Tifosi are dreaming of Antonelli in a Ferrari.

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Praise for Antonelli’s consistency

Race engineer Bonnington sums it up: “Three performances of the year that really sealed the deal. But to be fair: other races too, such as Silverstone – had he not retired – would have been a really good result. Things were looking good for us in Barcelona too. So it’s this consistent, repeatable performance. He can drive on a wide variety of circuits, whether it’s dealing with overheating, warming up the tyres or whatever.” A worthy world champion indeed!