​Peter “Bono” Bonnington is officially a cheat code. When Kimi Antonelli crossed the line in Mexico City to secure the 2026 World Drivers’ Championship, it marked the eighth time Bonnington successfully engineered a driver to the ultimate crown—adding to his six titles with Lewis Hamilton and one with Jenson Button.Stepping into Hamilton’s seat and inheriting his legendary race engineer is arguably the most intimidating scenario for a rookie to face. But rather than buckle under the pressure of that legacy, Antonelli and Bono have clicked in a way that practically no one expected.During the latest episode of the Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show, host Anthony Davidson pointed out that working with the 20-year-old Italian prodigy seems to have completely rejuvenated the veteran engineer.“I see that he’s got this new energy to him, and I think it’s thanks to you,” Davidson told the newly crowned champion.For Antonelli, having a guy on the pit wall who has seen and done absolutely everything in this sport is the ultimate safety net.“He has so much experience, so much knowledge, of course, having worked with Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton,” Antonelli praised. “I think Bono is probably one of the most successful engineers of Formula 1”.Taming the “Full Red Brain”Formula 1 drivers are essentially adrenaline junkies strapping themselves into guided missiles. When things go wrong on the track, the panic inside the cockpit can spike instantly.This is where Bono’s legendary calm radio demeanor earns its massive paycheck. Antonelli didn’t sugarcoat his own emotional volatility, completely crediting the Brit for acting as the ultimate anchor when the pressure cooker boils over.“He’s been helping massively, because even in the race he’s always so calm, despite any situation, and that also calms me as well,” Antonelli explained. “In the car sometimes I must be like full red brain, full emotional, and he’s always so calm”.2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, Saturday – Sebastian KawkaWhen the strategy gets messy, or the racing gets dirty, Bono’s smooth tone is the only thing preventing a full-blown meltdown.“By hearing him being so calm, it kind of makes me realize that the situation is under control from the garage, that they’re not stressing,” the Italian continued. “But even if they are, they don’t make me feel that way. They make me feel that things are under control. That’s what also makes me kind of say, okay, it’s all good, just focus on what you have to do, and then the rest will come”.Beyond the TelemetryBuilding trust in F1 requires a lot more than just dialing in the right front wing flap angle. After spending the last two seasons surviving the grueling global calendar together, the driver-engineer dynamic has shifted into something far deeper than just workplace collaboration.“We’re not only, let’s say, working partners, but I think we’re also friends,” Antonelli smiled. “And he unders