Lewis Hamilton - King of Silverstone, Forever champion and the return of the F1 legend

945 days since his last F1 win, Lewis Hamilton finally tasted victory again in the 2024 F1 British Grand Prix. It was a long time coming, but it was anything but easy. I'm not just talking about Lewis Hamilton's enduring effort at Silverstone, but rather his bouts against his critics, his rivals, and himself.

Sir Lewis Hamilton created history when he crossed the checkered flag ahead of Max Verstappen on Sunday. Not only did he add one more win to his 103 race wins, he became the only driver to win nine times at a single circuit. He's been creating history ever since he stepped foot in Formula 1, but boy did this one feel like redemption.

F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain

For the first time since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Lewis stood on the top spot of the podium. To celebrate him in the crowd were his family, his team, and, of course, the amazing Silverstone crowd. This win was special, Lewis needed it, and when he finally won the race, the outpouring of emotions of the 7-time world champion proved just that.

Lewis Hamilton's triumph was not luck, it was a long time coming

In his post-race speech, Lewis Hamilton talked about the adversities he faced along with his team Mercedes and fighting despite all of it. He said (quotes via BBC):

“So many times when you feel like your best shot is not good enough, and the disappointment sometimes you can feel."

“We live in a time when mental health is such a serious issue and I am not going to lie (and deny) that I have experienced that."

“There have definitely been moments between 2021 and here when I didn’t feel like I was good enough, or I thought it was never going to happen again. I have never cried coming from a win. It just came out of me. It is a really great feeling and I am really grateful for it.”

The man with 104 F1 race wins, who has nothing to prove anyone, sobbed like a baby in the cool-down lap after winning the race. You could tell how much this win meant to him and that he was anything but finished. He is not moving to Ferrari to see off his retirement; he is going there to win.

Lewis Hamilton celebrates with Mercedes teammates

Lewis Hamilton is an idol to many around the world. His 'Still we rise' phrase is something that has stuck with many of his supporters, and for good reason. A man who has all the records you could think of to his name, winless in almost 2 years, still giving his all in a team he's departing at the end of the season. His record 9th Silverstone win was not luck, it was the result of not giving hope, it was a result of perseverance, grit, blood, sweat, hate and much more.

Lewis Hamilton winning is good for F1, fans, and Ferrari

While Ferrari endured a tough outing at Silverstone, Lewis Hamilton winning will certainly boost their confidence in fighting for the championship next season. Hamilton’s 2025 teammate Charles Leclerc was yet again a victim of poor strategy. However, this is a key area where his experience and knowledge could help the Prancing Horse regain its long-lost glory.

F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain

Moreover, Lewis Hamilton's win made him the sixth different driver to taste success this season. This is particularly a sign of Red Bull’s dominance starting to end and other teams starting to catch up to them. From winning all but one race last season to being only 78 points ahead of 3rd place McLaren, there is still a long way to go in this season. And if Sergio Perez’s form is any indication, Red Bull has a challenge in their hands to defend their WCC trophy.

Max Verstappen was a shining figure for Red Bull at Silverstone, though. He continues to perform and prove why he's perhaps the best driver on the grid. He should comprehensively become a 4-time champion at the end of this season. However, the future of F1 remains exciting and the fans can start looking forward to races once again instead of watching Max and Red Bull dominate the races.

With the new regulations coming in 2026, can Lewis Hamilton create more history and win his 8th championship with Ferrari?