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Lewis Hamilton returned to the top step of the podium in fairy-tale fashion, winning the British GP in his final home race for Mercedes. Congratulations poured in from the entire F1 community, including Hamilton's former rival turned friend, Sebastian Vettel.
Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, took a record ninth victory on his home soil, also marking his first win since the 2021 season. This victory extended his record tally to 104 career wins and marked his 150th podium result with the Silver Arrows.
Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel, who competed alongside Lewis Hamilton throughout his career, exchanging wins and championships, acknowledged the Brit's sensational victory. Vettel expressed his admiration for his rival turned friend, calling him the GOAT (Greatest of All Time).
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"Goat. Congrats Lewis.," Vettel wrote in his Instagram Stories.
The last time Lewis Hamilton won a race was in the 2021 Saudi Arabian GP, when Sebastian Vettel was still racing in F1. This victory also marked Hamilton's first win since the introduction of the ground effects regulations in Formula 1.
It was an emotional victory for the seven-time world champion, who was at a loss for words after crossing the finish line and driving around the Silverstone track. Tears of joy streamed down his face as he celebrated on the podium with his longtime ally, Peter "Bono" Bonnington.
Lewis Hamilton gets emotional after record ninth victory
Hamilton started on the front row for his home race and was chasing fellow Brit Lando Norris for the win. The duo swapped positions in the final stint, with the seven-time world champion emerging victorious in what was a thrilling race.
The in-car radio broadcast showed Lewis Hamilton's voice crack, emphasizing the significance of the home race victory. He embraced his father after getting out of his car before celebrating the win with the Silverstone crowd.
"Yeah, I can't stop crying. It's been since 2021, I just every day, getting up, trying to fight, to train, to put my mind to the task, and work as hard as I can with this amazing team. And this is my last race here at the British Grand Prix with this team," Hamilton said in the post-race interview.
The 39-year-old British driver credited the team for the incredible turnaround this season, helping him end his wait for his 104th F1 victory, in front of his home crowd.
"So I wanted to win this so much for them, because I love them, I appreciate them so much, all the hard work they've been putting in all over these years. I'm forever grateful to everyone in this team, everyone at Mercedes, and all of our partners. And otherwise, to all our incredible fans, I could see you lap-by-lap as I was coming around. There's just no greater feeling as to finish at the front here," he added.
Max Verstappen finished second behind his old rival Lewis Hamilton, overtaking Lando Norris in the final laps. The McLaren driver had to settle for a third-place finish.
