Three days after his mega victory at the 2024 British Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton visited the Mercedes' Brackley factory. This was the seven-time world champion's first address to the entire workforce of the race base, and according to Bradley Lord, Mercedes' Chief Communications Officer, the visit was an emotional, authentic, and "honest" one.
Formula 1 was in Great Britain in the first week of July for the 12th race of the 2024 season. After an eventful 52 laps, it was Lewis Hamilton who stood on the top step of the podium, for the first time in 945 days.
The entire Silverstone was elated and so was the man from Stevenage. After getting out of the car, he hugged his father, Anthony Hamilton, and mother, Carmen Larbalestier. Interestingly, he took out his time and paid a visit to the factory.
"He hadn’t had a chance, just through scheduling and other stuff, to talk to everyone. Also about the Ferrari decision," Lord revealed in The Fast and the Furious podcast. “He asked us not to put a video out, or share everything he said but, he was incredibly honest, vulnerable, open and authentic. The most I’ve seen him in the 12 years I’ve worked with him.” (15:07-15:27)
Hamilton's race win at Silverstone was one of a kind. As he picked up the victory, he became the first driver to win nine races on a single track. With this, he took his overall race-winning tally to 104.
Lewis Hamilton dedicated his British GP win to Mercedes
The 2024 British Grand Prix was Lewis Hamilton's last race for Mercedes as the Briton moves to Ferrari at the end of this season. The end of 2024 will mark the end of 12 long years of association between Hamilton and Mercedes.
"I can't stop crying! It's been since 2021, 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."
"This is my last race here at the British Grand Prix with this team, 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, "Hamilton said after the race.
Lewis Hamilton signed a multi-year deal worth $446 million with the Prancing Horse. He will replace Carlos Sainz and race alongside Charles Leclerc under the guidance of his old master, Fred Vasseur.