The sentimental hero has won: Chased by Max Verstappen (2nd) and Lando Norris (3rd), Lewis Hamilton saved a home victory at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Silverstone over the finish line.
Father Anthony was already waiting in the paddock and a short time later he would embrace his son, who was crying with joy.
The great emotions were no coincidence. Since Saudi Arabia 2021, i.e. for 945 days, the Mercedes driver had not won a GP. “There were days when I asked myself whether I was still good enough, whether I might do it once more. Then I had the right people around me,” said the 39-year-old, who was the first Formula 1 driver with more than 300 career starts to make it to the top podium.
It was not the only record on Sunday. It was his ninth victory at Silverstone, something no one had ever achieved on a single track. Until now, Hamilton had shared this record with Michael Schumacher (eight victories at Magny-Cours). “There is no better feeling than winning here,” said Hamilton, who was worshipped like a king by his British audience.
Verstappen experienced two different halves of the race
The decisive factor for his victory was that his crew chose the perfect time to switch from the intermediates back to the smooth slick tires following a rain shower on a drying track. Hamilton had maneuvered past Norris, who had been driving quite confidently up until then. “I didn’t make the right decisions, I have to take myself to task,” said the McLaren driver, who made the strongest impression especially during the two rainy periods.
Verstappen made the most of his opportunities, but was unable to compete when the rain started. “I had no grip at all. I saw everyone else driving away and I just fought not to fly off the track,” said the championship leader, who is comfortably 84 points ahead of Norris.
Red Bull Racing brought the Dutchman back within striking distance of the leaders with a perfectly timed tire change. When the sun came out towards the end of the race, Verstappen was suddenly the fastest at the front. He was just a few laps away from catching Hamilton.
Budapest is just around the corner
Things didn’t go as planned for Hamilton and Verstappen’s teammates. Austrian winner Russell, who had started the race from pole position, had to be taken out of the race due to a problem with the cooling system. Perez had started from the pit lane following a ride out in qualifying.
The Mexican (17th) switched to the intermediates too early on Sunday, which is why he – just like Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc – was already lapped before half of the race.
The balance of power is strikingly even at the moment. Hamilton is the sixth race winner this season. The action continues in two weeks at the Budapest Grand Prix, where Hamilton will be chasing his 200th career podium.
