'Lucky' Antonelli commends crucial Mercedes F1 ally

Kimi Antonelli has hailed his relationship with race engineer Peter Bonnington in the early stage of his F1 career.

The role of an F1 race engineer is crucial for drivers as they deliver crucial instructions regarding race management and execution.

Bonnington, who has long worked with the Mercedes team, has been tasked with helping Antonelli navigate his rookie F1 season.

Having worked with the likes of Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, Antonelli asserted he feels “lucky” to have Bonnington helping him through sessions.

“We get along pretty well. I’m bringing some Italian culture into his,” Antonelli told media including RacingNews365.

“I’m a guy who likes to hug people. As Italians, we’re very touchy. We’re very emotional. I’m bringing that in but not too much - we’re in a professional environment. I’m getting along well with him.

“I feel very lucky to have someone like him because he has so much experience, he has worked with Michael [Schumacher], he has worked with Lewis [Hamilton] for so many years.

“Having someone with so much experience and knowledge really helps me.”

Bonnington received a Mercedes promotion this year, moving to the head of race engineering position while also carrying out his duties with Antonelli.

The 18-year-old Italian has spiralled up the junior categories en route to F1, creating the risk of Mercedes promoting a driver who is unpolished in many different scenarios.

However, Antonelli asserted he has few concerns as he can rely on Bonnington's experience and advice.

“I’m the one who has to learn so much, I have so many scenarios to face, so many new things to learn and having someone who has gone through all that already really helps you,” he said.

“I know he will be able to guide me through every situation. We get along really well and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do in the future.”