By Score More
Silverstone, England – In a dramatic and rain-soaked race, Lewis Hamilton claimed his ninth victory at the British Grand Prix on Sunday, ending a winless streak of over two years. The Mercedes driver, who last tasted victory at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in December 2021, crossed the finish line ahead of three-time world champion Max Verstappen, marking his 104th career win.
WHAT A DRIVE 🇬🇧 WHAT A DRIVER#F1 #BritishGP pic.twitter.com/azxAWQOH9p
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 7, 2024
Hamilton’s triumph at Silverstone was hard-fought, as unpredictable weather conditions played havoc on the 52-lap race. Verstappen, who started in a less favorable position and was running as low as fifth, executed a brilliant tire strategy to finish just behind Hamilton. The Red Bull driver showcased his resilience, cutting through the field to nearly snatch victory.
Lando Norris of McLaren secured the final spot on the podium, finishing third. Norris had been running second but was overtaken by Verstappen with just five laps remaining. His teammate, rookie Oscar Piastri, put in an impressive performance to finish fourth, narrowly missing out on his first podium in Formula 1.
The race was a testament to the challenging conditions, with intermittent rain causing numerous difficulties for the drivers. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz managed to secure fifth place, while his teammate Charles Leclerc struggled significantly, finishing 14th. Leclerc’s performance was still better than Sergio Pérez’s, who ended up 17th in the second Red Bull.
George Russell’s home race ended in disappointment as the Mercedes driver retired due to a mechanical failure. Pierre Gasly of Alpine also failed to finish, adding to the list of retirements in the grueling race.
Hamilton’s victory at Silverstone is not only a personal milestone but also a significant boost for Mercedes, who have been striving to close the gap with Red Bull this season. “It’s been a long time coming,” said an emotional Hamilton. “The team did an incredible job, and the fans here at Silverstone are just unbelievable. This win is for them.”
Race Highlights:
- 1st: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – Hamilton dominated in challenging conditions to secure his ninth British Grand Prix win.
- 2nd: Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – The Dutch driver fought back from fifth place, utilizing a strategic tire change to finish a close second.
- 3rd: Lando Norris (McLaren) – The young Briton showed his prowess, holding onto third despite a late-race overtake by Verstappen.
- 4th: Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – The rookie driver impressed with a strong performance, just missing out on the podium.
- 5th: Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) – The Spanish driver secured a solid points finish in difficult conditions.
Notable Events:
- George Russell (Mercedes) and Pierre Gasly (Alpine) both retired due to mechanical issues.
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) struggled significantly, finishing 14th and 17th respectively.
As the championship battle continues, Hamilton’s victory at Silverstone serves as a reminder of his enduring talent and the ever-present unpredictability of Formula 1. The next race promises to be just as thrilling, with teams and drivers adjusting strategies to stay competitive in this fiercely contested season.