Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited victory came at the British Grand Prix, where he triumphed for the first time in 945 days, claiming a record ninth win at Silverstone amidst emotional scenes. The Mercedes driver, a seven-time Formula One world champion, crossed the finish line ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by 1.465 seconds, extending Verstappen’s championship lead to 84 points. Lando Norris of McLaren secured third place after a late-race battle.
The race saw dramatic moments, including Mercedes’ George Russell’s retirement due to a suspected water system issue, contrasting with Hamilton’s pole position and subsequent win. Hamilton’s race engineer, Peter Bonnington, celebrated over the team radio as Hamilton took the chequered flag, expressing relief after a challenging 56-race drought since his last victory in Saudi Arabia.
On the podium, Hamilton was visibly moved, thanking his team and acknowledging the roaring crowd of 164,000 fans despite the cold and intermittent showers. This victory marked Hamilton’s 104th career win, setting new records as the first driver to win in 16 different seasons and achieving nine victories at a single circuit, surpassing a record he previously shared with Michael Schumacher.
“This is my last race here with this team,” Hamilton shared emotionally, referring to Mercedes, before his move to Ferrari. His victory was a poignant farewell to the team he had raced with since 2007, embracing his father and reflecting on the team’s dedication and support over the years.
In a race marked by strategic pit stops and changing weather conditions, Hamilton’s mastery shone through, especially after navigating a mid-race rain shower that added to the drama. Despite challenges, including Verstappen’s determined pursuit, Hamilton’s flawless driving and strategic decisions secured a memorable victory, encapsulating a fairytale ending to his tenure with Mercedes at his home Grand Prix.