By Michael Madyira
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton stood his ground to come out tops in a race-long tussle against Max Verstappen and Lando Norris at the British Grand Prix on Sunday.
On a wet-dry afternoon at the Silverstone Circuit, Hamilton ended a run of 56 races without tasting victory.
It was his first win since December 2021, but one that made history on his home track as he defied a chaotic rain-interrupted battle to extend a record he had previously shared with Michael Schumacher.
Red Bull’s Verstappen was the runner-up while McLaren’s Norris claimed the last podium finish.
Pole-sitter George Russell could not build up on his Austrian Grand Prix triumph to finish a distant 19th despite promisingly starting the race.
The McLaren pair of Norris and Oscar Piastri threw the race into excitement against the Mercedes duo of Hamilton and Russell.
However, Verstappen came through late, overtaking Norris and challenging Hamilton, who managed to successfully hold off to victory.
“Since 2021, every day I’m getting up and fighting to train to put my mind to the task and work as hard as I can with this amazing team,” said Hamilton per Sky Sports.
The Briton bowed out of Silverstone in style especially considering how Verstappen has maintained his season lead.
“This is my last race here at the British Grand Prix with this team,” Hamilton added.
“I wanted to win this so much for them because I love them and appreciate them so much.”
“All the hard work they put in over these years… I’m forever grateful to everyone at Mercedes and to all our partners.”
“And to all our incredible fans, I could see you lap by lap. There’s no greater feeling to finish at the front here.”
Hamilton took the lead in lap 18 but slumped to let Norris and Piastri overtake him as everyone struggled with the changing weather conditions.
But Hamilton reclaimed the lead after changing tyres from slick ones to intermediates.
Pictured above: British Grand Prix winner Lewis Hamilton popping champagne
Source: Formula 1
