Behind Kimi Antonelli’s remarkable 2026 Formula 1 season lies a special relationship that extends well beyond victories, podium finishes and the fight for the world championship. The young Mercedes driver has developed an increasingly close bond with race engineer Peter Bonnington, the man who worked alongside Lewis Hamilton for more than a decade and has now become one of the most important figures in the Italian’s development.
During his second season in Formula 1, Kimi Antonelli has strengthened his connection with the entire Mercedes team, but his relationship with Peter Bonnington has become particularly meaningful. From small pre-race traditions to emotional celebrations after successful weekends, the partnership reflects a level of trust that goes beyond the usual communication between a driver and his engineer.
Kimi Antonelli reveals his special pre-race Mercedes team ritual
Speaking about everyday life inside the Mercedes garage, Kimi Antonelli explained that one of the most important moments of his race weekend comes just minutes before the start of a Grand Prix.
Before getting into the cockpit, the Italian makes a point of greeting every member of his team, recognising the contribution each person makes to the collective effort.
“Before getting into the car on the starting grid, before every race, I high-five every single member of my team. It’s a way to make everyone feel more involved, to get in sync and to greet all the team members, and then get into the car.”
It is a simple gesture, but one with considerable meaning. In a sport where attention is often focused almost entirely on the driver, Kimi Antonelli wants to acknowledge the work carried out by everyone around him.
The tradition also reflects the strong sense of belonging he has developed within Mercedes, where teamwork has played an important role in his performances throughout the 2026 season.
How Kimi Antonelli and Peter Bonnington developed a special bond
While Kimi Antonelli’s relationship with the wider Mercedes team has strengthened over time, his connection with Peter Bonnington has become one of the closest partnerships in the garage.
Peter Bonnington previously spent more than a decade working with Lewis Hamilton, building one of Formula 1’s most recognisable driver-engineer relationships. He now plays an important role in guiding Kimi Antonelli through the challenges of competing at the highest level.
The two have developed their own traditions, which have become an established part of their race weekends. One involves Kimi Antonelli handing Peter Bonnington the protective tear-off film removed from his helmet visor before each session.
Such routines might appear insignificant from the outside, but they illustrate the familiarity and understanding that have grown between the Italian driver and his experienced engineer.
Kimi Antonelli explains how Peter Bonnington reacted to his hugs
The human side of their relationship becomes particularly clear when Kimi Antonelli discusses how they celebrate strong results together.
The Mercedes driver smiled as he recalled Peter Bonnington’s initial reactions to his affectionate approach, explaining that his engineer was not always entirely comfortable with the celebrations.
“As an Italian, I like to hug people.”
“After a really good result, I like to go up to him and give him a hug. Last year, sometimes he would get very tense; you could see him tensing up. But this year he actually enjoys it, because he knows he’s part of me too.”
The change in Peter Bonnington’s reaction reflects how much their relationship has developed over the past two seasons. What initially appeared to be a contrast in personalities has gradually become another expression of their growing understanding.
For Kimi Antonelli, the celebrations are not simply about recognising his own achievements. They are also a way of acknowledging the contribution made by the person who works so closely with him throughout every race weekend.
The trust behind Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes success in 2026
The relationship between Kimi Antonelli and Peter Bonnington has evolved into something more meaningful than a conventional professional partnership.
Built on trust and the daily experience of sharing successes, difficulties and objectives, their connection has become an important part of the Italian driver’s progress during his second Formula 1 campaign.
Peter Bonnington’s experience alongside Lewis Hamilton has provided Kimi Antonelli with an established figure to rely on, while the young driver’s personality has brought a different dynamic to their working relationship.
As Kimi Antonelli moves closer to the biggest achievement of his career, the bond with his race engineer continues to grow stronger. Their pre-race traditions and increasingly affectionate celebrations offer a glimpse of the personal relationships developing behind the competitive intensity of Formula 1.
Leave a Reply