Lewis Hamilton clinched a historic ninth victory at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone on Sunday, July 7, 2024, ending a 945-day winless streak and setting a new record for the most wins at a single circuit. The seven-time world champion masterfully navigated changing weather conditions, including rain showers and strong winds, to secure his 104th career Formula 1 victory.Starting from second position, Hamilton overtook his teammate George Russell, who was forced to retire due to a hydraulic problem. Hamilton then held off a strong challenge from Max Verstappen in the closing laps, finishing 1.4 seconds ahead of the Red Bull driver. Lando Norris completed the podium in third place.The race was marked by dramatic shifts in weather, with rain affecting the track from the 7th lap onwards. This led to a sequence of overtaking maneuvers and strategic pit stops, adding to the excitement of the event. Hamilton’s experience and Mercedes’ strategy paid off, as he managed to capitalize on the changing conditions.An emotional Hamilton expressed his joy after the race, saying, “I can’t stop crying. Since 2021, I’ve been getting up every day to train and work. Many times I thought this wouldn’t be possible”. He dedicated the win to his team, acknowledging that it might be his last race at Silverstone with Mercedes before his move to Ferrari in 2025.This victory not only marks a personal triumph for Hamilton but also reinvigorates the championship battle. However, Verstappen still maintains a significant lead in the drivers’ standings, now extended to 84 points. The Formula 1 season continues with the Hungarian Grand Prix on July 21, the 13th round of the 2024 season.
Key points
- Lewis Hamilton won his ninth British Grand Prix, ending a 945-day winless streak.
- The victory was Hamilton’s 104th in Formula 1, achieved under challenging weather conditions.
- This may be Hamilton’s last win with Mercedes at Silverstone before his move to Ferrari in 2025.
- Despite finishing second, Max Verstappen extended his championship lead to 84 points.
