Meet Lewis Hamilton’s inner circle – including manager who brokered Ferrari deal

As the final race of Lewis Hamilton’s 12-year stint with Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix approaches, the seven-time world champion is set to bid adieu to an era that has shaped modern Formula 1. However, this race isn’t merely the end of a dynasty – it’s the turning of a page for an exhilarating new journey with one of F1’s most legendary teams, Ferrari.

Hamilton’s alliance with the Silver Arrows ruled the sport for years, yielding six world championships and numerous unforgettable racing moments. From his record-shattering supremacy in 2014 to the thrilling title battle with Max Verstappen in 2021, Hamilton’s legacy is indelibly etched in the chronicles of Mercedes and F1 history.

Despite the emergence of Red Bull and Verstappen, Hamilton has consistently proven that class is indeed permanent, with 2024 highlights including victories at Silverstone and Spa, as well as impressive podium finishes in Barcelona and Las Vegas. Behind all the headlines, triumphs, and colossal champagne bottles is his close-knit inner circle.

Marc Hynes

After going their separate ways in 2021, Marc Hynes resumed his role as Hamilton’s manager in January, quickly getting down to business with the formalisation of his move to Ferrari being his first major assignment. Having initially teamed up with the British racing icon back in 2016, Hynes played a key role in his charge to four consecutive World Championships.

He also held the reins as the chief executive at Project 44, the management company he and Hamilton set up together. His focus is now laser-targeted on “racing activities,” offering Hamilton strategic support within the pressure cooker environment that is Formula 1.

The reaffirmed partnership as of 2024 heralds an intensified resolve for Hamilton as his Ferrari chapter looms, with Hynes anticipated to be a constant presence in this new era.

Penni Thow

Hamilton’s business dealings are going from strength to strength, with Penni Thow playing a pivotal role since 2021. As CEO of Copper, a US-based management firm, Thow’s shrewd acumen has been tapping into novel opportunities for Hamilton, initiatives which included launching the Mission 44 foundation aimed at aiding youths from underrepresented groups.

Thanks to Thow’s influence, the F1 star’s venture portfolio has seen impressive growth. Among the noteworthy undertakings are the Project 44 endeavor, an Apple+ TV documentary, as well as the Formula 1 movie produced by Apple and featuring Brad Pitt, with Hamilton on board as the producer.

His achievements have solidified his position as a pivotal figure in the sport, extending beyond the track to encompass media, business and philanthropy. Despite Thow’s formal management contract with Hamilton concluding this year, her influence persists – she continues to provide advisory support on race days and remains an integral part of his close-knit circle.

Toto Wolff

Mercedes’ team principal and CEO has been a fundamental pillar in Hamilton’s career since their joint arrival at the team in 2013. Their alliance has yielded unparalleled success, including eight Constructors’ Championships alongside Hamilton’s individual honours.

Wolff’s leadership and strategic prowess have played a crucial role in creating an environment conducive to Hamilton’s success. Earlier this year, his remark that “everyone has a shelf life” ignited whispers of a rift when news of Hamilton’s move surfaced. However, their relationship, founded on mutual respect and trust, has been compared by Hamilton to a familial bond.

In a conversation with Crash, he acknowledged it often involves “tough negotiations” and “emotional outbursts”, but is always rooted in a profound connection. Even though their professional journeys are now diverging, their personal bond remains robust. Reflecting on their relationship to Formula 1, Wolff stated: “I’ve found a friend – we’ve built a relationship over the last 10 years.”

Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington

Peter Bonnington, affectionately known as ‘Bono’, has been the linchpin behind Hamilton’s race engineering since 2013, crafting one of Formula 1’s most formidable driver-engineer duos. Their collaboration has been pivotal to the triumphs on track, with Bonnington’s steady and precise guidance steering him to numerous wins.

In an interview with the Silver Arrows’ media team, Hamilton compared their bond to a marriage, admitting that despite occasional frustrations, their strong connection has been key to their consistent success. However, Bonnington won’t be joining Hamilton at Ferrari; he’s been elevated to head of race engineering at Mercedes, a testament to his invaluable impact on the team.

“He’s stood by me through thick and thin,” Hamilton told Sky Sports. “I would have loved for him to come to Ferrari, but I understand he has to do what’s right for him.”

Anthony and Nicolas Hamilton

Beyond the racetrack victories and professional accolades, Hamilton’s relationship with his half-brother Nicolas stands out as profoundly significant. Nicolas, who is also a racing driver, has consistently been a pillar of support and motivation in Hamilton’s life, underscoring the importance of family ties amidst a high-octane career.

Despite being diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Nicolas has defied all odds to compete in the British Touring Car Championship. His story has been a source of inspiration for his brother Lewis, who often speaks about his sibling’s resilience and determination.

Their father, Anthony, was Lewis’ manager when he first entered Formula 1. Both have openly discussed how Anthony worked four jobs to support Lewis’ racing dream during the early stages of his career.

Although they had a falling out in 2010 when Lewis decided to part ways with him as his manager, their relationship has since strengthened. Even without an official role, Anthony remains a significant figure in his life, with the family providing unwavering support through every triumph and challenge.