F1 | Mercedes opts for continuity with Antonelli: major announcement confirmed
Mercedes has officially confirmed the track engineers who will work alongside George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The decision emphasizes continuity within the team, aligning with expectations and reaffirming the technical direction that the Brackley-based squad has pursued in recent years.
Marcus Dudley will remain as the Senior Race Engineer for George Russell, while Peter “Bono” Bonnington will continue in the same role alongside the young Italian talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli. This move ensures that both drivers are supported by highly experienced engineers, crucial for navigating the new technical regulations coming in 2026.
Bonnington to hold dual roles in 2026
For the upcoming season, Peter Bonnington will take on a dual responsibility. In addition to working directly with Andrea Kimi Antonelli, he will also serve again as Head of Race Engineering, a central position in managing overall track operations. This strategic choice comes at a pivotal moment, as Formula 1 enters a new era with significant technical and operational changes.
Who will be Antonelli’s track engineer? Mercedes confirms the decision
Peter Bonnington has long been a key figure within Mercedes. The British engineer has been part of the team since the modern era of Mercedes began and gained widespread recognition as Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer, sharing in some of the most iconic successes in recent Formula 1 history.
When Lewis Hamilton moved to Ferrari, there was speculation that Bonnington might follow him. However, contractual obligations with Mercedes made such a transfer impossible. During Hamilton’s first season at Ferrari, he worked with Riccardo Adami as his race engineer. Their professional relationship has occasionally faced challenges, with communication difficulties evident in team radio exchanges during race weekends.
According to media reports last week, Riccardo Adami is expected to continue as Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer for the 2026 season. This decision signals a commitment to continuity at Ferrari, despite the challenges experienced last year.
Mercedes prioritizes experience and stability for 2026
With the confirmation of Marcus Dudley and Peter Bonnington, Mercedes reinforces its commitment to stability on the pit wall and to leveraging highly experienced personnel. This approach is considered essential to support both George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as they navigate the first season of a new technical era in Formula 1. The driver-engineer relationship will once again be a key factor in maximizing the team’s potential under the updated regulations.
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