Lewis Hamilton secured his first race victory since 2021 by winning the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, holding off Max Verstappen and ending his long wait for a triumph. The Mercedes driver, who last won in Saudi Arabia in December 2021, claimed his ninth victory at Silverstone, setting a new record for the most wins at a single track.
Race Highlights:
- Victory Details: Lewis Hamilton finished the race 1.465 seconds ahead of Verstappen, who overtook Lando Norris three laps before the finish. This victory marks Hamilton’s 104th Formula One win.
- Historic Achievement: Hamilton’s win breaks a tie with Michael Schumacher for the most wins at one track.
- Emotional Moment: Lewis Hamilton expressed his emotions after the win, highlighting the hard work and dedication since his last victory. He also acknowledged his upcoming move to Ferrari after the season, making this his last race for Mercedes at Silverstone.
Race Summary:
- Race Dynamics: Pole-sitter George Russell initially led the race, but an exciting battle ensued between the Mercedes and McLaren teams amid changing weather conditions. The lead changed hands multiple times, especially after pit stops for intermediate and slick tyres.
- Key Pit Stops: Lewis Hamilton gained a significant advantage by pitting for slicks one lap before Norris, who faced a slow pit stop, allowing Hamilton to take the lead.
- Final Standings: Verstappen finished second, while Norris secured third. Oscar Piastri placed fourth, Carlos Sainz was fifth, and Nico Hulkenberg finished sixth.
- Driver Issues: George Russell retired with a water system issue, and McLaren’s decision-making during pit stops was questioned by Norris, who felt they missed an opportunity for a better result.
Lewis Hamilton Win Reactions:
- Hamilton’s Statement: “Since 2021, every day [I’ve been] fighting, training and putting my mind to the task, working as hard as I can. This is my last race for the team here. I love them so much. I’ll be forever grateful to everyone at Mercedes and to the incredible fans.”
- Norris’ Disappointment: Norris expressed disappointment over strategic decisions during the race, feeling that a win was within reach but was lost due to pit stop timings and tyre choices.
- Verstappen’s Perspective: Despite not winning, Verstappen increased his lead in the drivers’ standings over Norris by three points.
Hamilton’s win at Silverstone is not only a significant personal achievement but also a thrilling moment for fans, breaking the recent Red Bull dominance and adding excitement to the championship race.
