Formula 1 fans have praised seven‑time champion Lewis Hamilton after footage of him congratulating former Mercedes race engineer Peter “Bono” Bonnington at the Mexican Grand Prix went viral.
Hamilton spent his entire career at Mercedes, securing six of his seven titles with Bonnington’s technical input. When the 41‑year‑old engineer moved to Ferrari in 2025, he joined Hamilton’s successor, Kimi Antonelli, as a race engineer.
Kimi Antonelli claimed his first World Championship at the Mexican Grand Prix, completing only his second season in Formula 1. Hamilton was captured in an emotional hug with Bonnington while celebrating the historic win.
The race saw Max Verstappen of Red Bull take victory from pole, with Hamilton finishing second and Antonelli third—a podium that underscored the significance of the moment. Fans noted the “fantastic” podium trio and highlighted Hamilton’s sportsmanship.
“Lewis is a truly classy competitor,” commented one fan. “It’s clear he’s still upset about the incident, but he puts that aside to celebrate his friends who deserve the moment.” Another observed, “Bono must have felt bittersweet today—happy for Antonelli, yet part of him hoped it would be Hamilton’s eighth title.”
Supporters also praised Bonnington’s transition, noting how his experience proved vital for a rookie champion: “After engineering for perhaps the greatest F1 driver of all time, then shifting to a rookie, seeing this partnership work out so well is a testament to his expertise.”
