Sir Lewis Hamilton has described his ninth victory at Silverstone as an “incredible honour” after a dramatic 2024 British Grand Prix.
Hamilton had briefly taken the lead on Lap 18 from Mercedes’ teammate, George Russell, but lost the lead at the start of Lap 20 to fellow Brit, Lando Norris in the first of two showers.
Mercedes however pitted Hamilton for slicks on Lap 39 as the track began to dry which allowed him to undercut Norris to eventually take his first win since the 2021 Saudi Arabian GP, as he eventually beat runner-up Max Verstappen by 1.465 seconds.
The victory also saw Hamilton become the first driver with over 300 race entries to win a race, as well as the first driver to win nine races at a single track, with his first win at Silverstone having come in 2008 for McLaren.
Speaking post-race about his achievement, Hamilton commented: “It is the most incredible honour to be standing on the top step of the podium here at Silverstone. I think my heart is still racing!
“We’ve had so many amazing times here and today was the most emotional end to a win I’ve ever had. It has been a really challenging few years for everyone in the team.
Aware that this is his last home race in a Mercedes ahead of his move to Ferrari next season, Hamilton paid tribute to the Silver Arrows for their hard work.
“Knowing how hard everyone has worked to fight back, I think it was a real release of emotion. I am forever grateful to everyone in this team, to Mercedes, and to all our partners. To finally succeed is the greatest feeling I remember having.”
Focusing on the race performance, Hamilton felt that it was “tricky” due to “changeable conditions” but was pleased that his strategy worked out in terms of the switchback to slick tyres.
“We kept our cool though and made the right call at the right time to switch back to slicks. That helped us take back the lead and from there, we were able to bring it home.”
Team Principal, Toto Wolff added that Hamilton’s victory felt “like a fairytale” in his last home race for the team.
“It is our last British Grand Prix together with Lewis and what a way to sign off. It is such a great feeling to be able to achieve victory in front of the British crowds with the most iconic, and most successful British driver in a Mercedes.”
Wolff however iterated that the win was earned on pure speed unlike their “fortuitous” win in Austria, as he continued: “Today, we were quick in almost all conditions. We were running first and second for a long time and, although the McLarens were quick when the rain fell, we were able to get back ahead of them.
“It is a win on merit, and it shows the grit of this team. We never stopped believing, we never stopped working, and we have been able to unlock the potential in the car. We are now on a roll.”