Legendary British racing driver Lewis Hamilton, who with eight prior wins at Silverstone had not tasted success in the sport for two-and-a-half years, today marked his 104th Formula 1 victory, edging out Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in a memorable contest.
The race was dynamic, with the lead changing hands multiple times.
George Russell initially led the pack, but rain introduced chaos, creating uncertainty about the optimal tyre choice.
The McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri managed the conditions better, allowing Norris to take the lead, while Championship leader Verstappen, in his Red Bull, remained in the background.
However, strategic errors cost McLaren significantly. Instead of double-stacking their drivers for the final tyre change, Piastri stayed out and lost ground. More critically, Norris and his team opted for soft tires instead of mediums.
This decision hampered Norris’s ability to keep pace with Hamilton in the closing stages and defend against Verstappen.
From Hamilton’s perspective, Norris holding off Verstappen for several laps was crucial, allowing Hamilton to manage his soft tyres effectively and finish 1.465 seconds ahead of the Dutchman.
Hamilton was visibly emotional as he addressed his team post-race, followed by an extended celebration with his team, family, and the British crowd.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hamilton reflected on the 945-day wait for another victory, describing it as a mental battle. He emphasised the importance of perseverance and the support of his team and fans.
Hamilton expressed gratitude to his team and supporters, stating, “It’s tough for anyone but the important thing is how you continue to get up and you’ve got to continue to dig deep even when you feel like you’re at the bottom of the barrel.
“There have definitely been days between 2021 and now where I doubted myself, but the support from my team and fans kept me going.
“A big thank you to everyone at the factory and here today. I love you guys.”
Oscar Piastri finished in fourth place, with Carlos Sainz Jr. leading the rest of the field, finishing 47.318 seconds behind Hamilton.
Nico Hulkenberg, Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso, Alex Albon, and Yuki Tsunoda completed the top ten, while Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez ended in 14th and 17th places respectively.
Despite finishing second, Verstappen extended his Championship lead over Norris to 84 points, with Leclerc holding third place by a narrow four-point margin over Sainz Jr. Hamilton remains eighth in the standings, one point behind Russell, who retired his car midway through the race due to an issue with the water cooling system.
This victory not only broke Hamilton’s winless streak but also underscored his resilience and determination in the sport.
The British Grand Prix, with its unpredictable weather and strategic challenges, showcased the skill and tenacity of the drivers, particularly Hamilton’s masterful handling of the race’s final stages.
His victory at Silverstone adds yet another chapter to his storied career, highlighting his ability to overcome challenges and emerge victorious.
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