Lewis Hamilton has hinted that the iconic “Hammer Time” phrase, famously used by his long-time race engineer Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington, may not follow him to Ferrari as he embarks on a new chapter in his Formula 1 career. The phrase, which became synonymous with Hamilton’s pursuit of victory, might be relegated to his Mercedes days as he prepares to leave the team after the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The End of an Era: Hammer Time’s Impact on Hamilton’s Mercedes Career
For years, the phrase “Hammer Time” has been a symbol of Lewis Hamilton’s ability to dig deep and push his limits in the race’s most critical moments. It was first introduced by his engineer, Peter Bonnington, as a code for Hamilton to go into full attack mode. The phrase became more than just a radio call—it became part of Hamilton’s identity as he clinched victory after victory.
The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the end of an era for Hamilton and Mercedes, as Bono delivered one last iconic call to Hamilton over the radio: “Okay Lewis, we’ll go strat mode five and it’s Hammer Time! We’ve got a plan here showing possible P3.” Despite his valiant effort and a stellar recovery from P16 on the grid, Hamilton finished P4, closing his Mercedes career on a high note, with yet another remarkable performance.
Hamilton Reflects on His Final Mercedes Race
Speaking to Channel 4, Hamilton reminisced about his final Mercedes race and his iconic moments with Bono. Reflecting on the significance of the “Hammer Time” phrase, Hamilton shared:
“I don’t know if we’re going to have Hammer Time ever again. I’ll have to get Bono to give me a call or something… I can’t let anybody else say Hammer Time to me.”
For Hamilton, hearing Bono call “Hammer Time” one last time was a bittersweet moment, marking the culmination of a legendary partnership with Mercedes that spanned over a decade and delivered seven World Championships. As he heads to Ferrari, it seems the phrase will remain a cherished memory of his time at Mercedes.
The Origins of ‘Hammer Time’: A Symbol of Hamilton’s Legacy
The iconic phrase didn’t come about by accident. Hamilton himself recalls how it all began in his first season with Mercedes in 2013. Initially, Bono would tell Hamilton to “push this,” but Hamilton wanted something more. He asked Bono to refer to it as “Hammer Time,” a nod to the famous MC Hammer hit “U Can’t Touch This.” From that moment, the phrase stuck and became an essential part of the Mercedes-Hamilton story.
Hamilton said, “I remember telling him back in 2013, he’d be like, ‘Time to push this.’ I was just like, next time, tell me it’s ‘Hammer Time.’ And then he’s just never stopped.”
Lewis Hamilton’s Future at Ferrari: No Hammer Time in Maranello?
With Hamilton set to join Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season, the “Hammer Time” phrase will likely remain in the past. Ferrari and Hamilton’s new race engineer will need to establish their own signature call for peak performance, but Hamilton himself has expressed that no one else can take Bono’s place in delivering the iconic phrase.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is one of the most anticipated in Formula 1, and fans are eager to see how he adapts to a new team after spending his entire career with McLaren and Mercedes. Although the “Hammer Time” call may not make the transition with him, Hamilton’s ability to perform at the highest level remains undeniable. The seven-time World Champion is now focused on bringing his expertise and talent to Ferrari, hoping to challenge for championships once again.
A Legacy to Remember
As Lewis Hamilton heads towards a new era with Ferrari, the end of “Hammer Time” marks the conclusion of a memorable chapter in his illustrious career. Fans will continue to remember the legendary calls from Bono, as well as the incredible moments when Hamilton displayed his mastery on the track. Whether or not “Hammer Time” will ever make a return under the Ferrari banner remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—Hamilton’s legacy in Formula 1 is far from over.
Conclusion
While Lewis Hamilton prepares for his exciting new chapter at Ferrari, the famous “Hammer Time” phrase from his Mercedes career will likely remain a part of F1 history. The connection between Hamilton and his race engineer, Peter Bonnington, created a memorable moment in the sport, and the iconic phrase will forever be linked to Hamilton’s legacy. As he transitions to Ferrari, Hamilton’s goal remains clear: to continue chasing Formula 1 glory, but with a new team and without the familiar radio call that helped him achieve so much success.
