Rob Smedley details Peter Bonnington's impact on Kimi Antonelli's success
Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 19, 2026, 12:40 PM
Last updated Sep 19, 2026

Rob Smedley highlighted the crucial role of Peter "Bono" Bonnington in Kimi Antonelli's pursuit of the 2026 Formula 1 title. Antonelli has achieved back-to-back victories at the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix, becoming the youngest driver to lead the standings. While Smedley acknowledged Bonnington's support, he emphasized that Antonelli remains responsible for his on-track performance. The current season showcases Antonelli's rapid ascent in the sport amidst significant pressure.
- •Kimi Antonelli leads the F1 standings after recent victories.
- •Rob Smedley praised Peter Bonnington's support role.
- •Antonelli is now the youngest driver in the top position.
- •Current season has seen back-to-back wins at key races.
- •Performance under pressure is a significant factor for Antonelli.
- 12:40 PMMotorsport.com — Rob Smedley explains Peter Bonnington's key role in Kimi Antonelli's F1 success
"Former Formula 1 race engineer Rob Smedley says Peter "Bono" Bonnington has been essential to Kimi Antonelli's 2026 F1 title charge, though he stresses the Mercedes driver is the one ultimately responsible for delivering on track. Antonelli became the youngest driver to lead the standings after back-to-back wins at the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix. While many assumed the pressure would ...Keep reading
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
F1•Nov 4, 2026, 5:01 PMCharles Leclerc becomes a father ahead of F1's Sao Paulo Grand Prix
F1•Nov 4, 2026, 4:33 PMToto Wolff addresses his future at Mercedes after momentous Kimi Antonelli win
F1•Nov 4, 2026, 4:27 PMHow Mercedes can win the 2026 F1 constructors' championship at the Brazilian GP
F1•Nov 4, 2026, 3:05 PMEsteban Ocon's F1 career may be ending, but his story is one of success
F1•Nov 4, 2026, 10:00 AMMercedes takes blame for Russell's poor Mexico GP: "We let him down"
F1•Nov 4, 2026, 6:00 AMWolff hails Antonelli as a ‘role model’ for new breed of racing driver
