During the qualifying session ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, an amusing mix-up occurred as Mercedes' race engineer Peter Bonnington mistakenly addressed rookie driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli as Lewis Hamilton over the radio. The gaffe highlights the transition period both Bonnington and Antonelli are going through, with Bonnington having spent 12 years in Hamilton's corner before Antonelli took the helm alongside George Russell in the formidable Mercedes team.
Bonnington’s slip happened while Antonelli was navigating the complex turns of the Shanghai International Circuit. “Yeah. Copy that, Lewis,” Bonnington said, quickly correcting himself after the realization set in. This moment captured by onboard footage not only provided comic relief but also underscored the ongoing changes within the team. With Hamilton switching to Ferrari, both drivers are now adapting their new partnerships following the off-season shuffle.
Hamilton's new engineer, Riccardo Adami, who has previously worked with champions like Sebastian Vettel, faced scrutiny after Hamilton’s comments regarding their limited communications during the previous race. The seven-time champion expressed frustration, seeking to clarify that his suggestions to Adami were neither rude nor indicative of tension. “Everyone over-egged [the situation in Australia],” Hamilton said after his successful sprint race in Shanghai on March 22, 2025, where he converted pole into victory, silencing critics eager to scrutinize his adjustment to Ferrari.
Regarding Antonelli's performance during qualifying, he finished the session in 8th place, trailing his teammate Russell, who secured P2 on the grid. Reflecting on his struggle, Antonelli admitted the complexities of the 2025 Pirelli compounds impacted his confidence. After initially feeling good in the session, he found himself unable to achieve the optimal balance, leading him to concede time in crucial moments. “The pace was there, it's just I struggled to find the right balance with the warm-up,” said Antonelli.
Much of the focus during the qualifying weekend was the intricacies of tire management—with rookie drivers like Antonelli discovering just how unique F1 tires are compared to what he experienced in feeder series racing. “The tire is completely different, the working range is completely different. The way the tire works and the way you can use it as well is a lot different,” he explained. This fundamental difference was apparent during Antonelli's qualifying attempts, which culminated in a last-corner mistake that cost him valuable time.
Despite his struggles, Antonelli remains hopeful and acknowledges that he has the potential to improve. “Overall, still a decent position for tomorrow,” he stated, emphasizing his desire to challenge for a top-six finish in the race. On the other hand, Russell expressed elation after qualifying P2, largely attributing his success to the team's gradual improvements and tire management strategies. “When we are able to bring it all together, we can definitely compete right at the front,” he asserted.
Russell, who has shown consistency at the start of this season, recounted adjustments made during qualifying, stating that on the last lap, “it finally clicked.” His confidence reflected in his final lap timing as he fended off fierce competition from the McLaren duo while positioning himself for the Grand Prix set to take place on March 23, 2025.
Mere hours after Bonnington's mix-up, Hamilton secured the first victory of his new chapter with Ferrari, showcasing his adaptability and resilience. He spoke candidly about the challenges faced in changing teams and how external expectations could cloud perceptions of his capabilities. “I really feel a lot of people underestimated the steep climb it is to get into a new team,” he noted, recognizing that acclimatizing to a new environment requires time and teamwork.
But Hamilton’s performance in Shanghai has undoubtedly set a positive tone for his tenure at Ferrari, reveling in the victory that silenced many criticisms while showing gratitude for the efforts of his team. “The engineers have done a great job, the mechanics have done a great job to fine-tune the car,” he said.
As the teams prepare for the race on the challenging asphalt of Shanghai, Bonnington, Hamilton, and the rest of the Mercedes squad are eager to see how their efforts will translate into results amid the fierce competition of Formula 1.
