It took 946 days, 135 weeks, 31 months, or even 2 years and 7 months. At the 2024 British Grand Prix, it was that time again. Lewis Hamilton is at the top of the podium for Mercedes. The record world champion took the 104th victory of his Formula 1 career under changing conditions and with Max Verstappen breathing down his neck – and in front of his home crowd. For Hamilton, it was one of the most important victories of his career.
Hamilton leaves Schumacher behind with ninth win on one track
Hamilton’s last victory dates back to December 5, 2021. In the world championship battle against Max Verstappen, Hamilton scored important points and equalized in the world championship duel. A lot of time has passed since then. Despite the upward trend, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are far from the world championship battle.
But it was enough for the ninth victory in Great Britain in 2024. This makes Hamilton the sole record holder for the most wins on one track, leaving Michael Schumacher behind.
“This was one of the most important victories for me. I’ve had such great moments in my career. But these last 2.5 years have been difficult. There is no better way to end the last home Grand Prix with this great team,” said Lewis Hamilton.
But not everything went smoothly during the race. Hamilton initially had to line up behind teammate George Russell. He spent almost the entire first stint there. It was only when rain started that Hamilton moved closer and took the lead on lap 18. “The key was to stay cool, especially when the rain started. When it came, I thought: now it’s all about it,” says Hamilton.
Lewis Hamilton wins final duel against Max Verstappen
But the lead did not last long. With the heavier rain, the track became more slippery – and Hamilton had to give it up to both McLarens. He also briefly went off the track in turn one together with Russell. The record world champion stayed behind the McLarens until the next rain front. Hamilton stopped one lap earlier than Lando Norris – and took the lead with an undercut.
Hamilton defended this lead on the soft tyres. After the 52nd lap, he crossed the finish line ahead of a charging Max Verstappen. The lead shrank from three seconds to 1.4 seconds. “It was the perfect length for the stint. With five more laps, I don’t know if I would have been able to hold on,” said Hamilton.
The “Get in there Lewis!” from race engineer Peter Bonnington, which was so common in the past, was a must. “I actually had no doubt that he would hold on to first place. I knew he was capable of it,” said Peter Bonnington on Sky.
Lewis Hamilton on doubts: There were times when I thought I couldn’t do it
For Hamilton, it is a great relief after a long dry spell. At the end of the season, he is leaving Mercedes for Ferrari. “There were definitely days between 2021 and today when I thought I wasn’t good enough. When I thought I wouldn’t make it back here,” said Hamilton.
“It was very mentally challenging for everyone in the team. With everything that has happened this year, I’m leaving the team. It’s the greatest honour to be at the top here. It could have been one of the best wins, if not the best,” said Hamilton, who is racing in Hungary in two weeks. There, too, Hamilton has celebrated eight wins so far – and could make that nine, as he did in Great Britain.