Lewis Hamilton looks back at the origins of the "Hammer Time"
The seven-time British world champion has ruled the sport in recent years, breaking numerous records in the process. During certain radio calls with his engineer, the latter utters the phrase "it's hammer time" or le moment d'enfoncer le clou in French. The Mercedes driver looks back at the origins of this phrase, which has become famous in Formula 1.
Lewis Hamilton has developed a strong bond with his engineer Peter Bonington, a partner who is closely linked to his victories at Mercedes. The two men have been working together since the British driver joined the team in 2013. They have won 6 world titles and 82 races in 9 years, a record in Formula 1. This is also one of the longest driver-engineer collaborations in history.
Their famous phrase “It’s hammer time” is actually a reference to the song’s slogan.
« U can’t touch this » by MC Hammer in 1990 and the initials « HAM » of Lewis Hamilton. The English engineer recently said this phrase during the United States Grand Prix when the Mercedes driver was battling for victory against Max Verstappen.
In an interview with Autosport before the Mexican Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton reflected on this phrase that his engineer says when encouraging him to give his best on the track. The British driver also felt like it had been almost a year since he last heard that phrase.
I told them that if they wanted to tell me that it’s time to do everything, to use everything I have, just tell me it’s Hammrr time. It’s part of our success.
The British driver wishes to express his respect towards his partner who is a key factor in his success with Mercedes.
I am incredibly grateful to Bono [nickname for Peter Bonington], I had an incredible collaboration with him. I believe we have one of the longest, if not the longest, pilot-engineer partnerships that exist. He was an integral part of my success.
Their relationship is more than professional, the Mercedes driver even declares that “Bono” is one of the few who is capable of understanding him no matter the situation.
He is probably one of the few people who can truly tolerate me, I would say, through the good and the bad days.
As he is capable of staying calm throughout the race, and the way he was able to guide me and help me navigate through a race, I don’t think there are many people who could do that.
