Hamilton wins first race in almost three years

Lewis Hamilton is now a race winner once again after holding off Max Verstappen at the Silverstone Circuit on Sunday to win the British Grand Prix. The last time Hamilton won a race was the Saudi Arabian GP back in 2021, and to win his first race since then on home ground makes the victory more satisfying as this is a race he’s always enjoyed and has now won nine times, including in 2021. 

Hamilton entered the lead around lap 18, taking over from teammate George Russell, but was soon overtaken by McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri before he fought his way to second place with only Norris ahead. A pitstop sent Hamilton ahead of the pack, with Norris second, fighting off Verstappen, who had surged on from fifth place. 

In no time, Verstappen passed Norris and was right on the Mercedes’s tail but was unable to prevent Hamilton from winning his first face after two winless seasons. 

The 39-year-old is now the oldest driver to win a race this century, and this is happening in his last season with Mercedes, as he leaves for Ferrari in 2025i. He is now also the driver to have won a particular race the most times.  

Speaking after the race, Hamilton noted his joy at winning again and also had some praises for the team: “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. This is my last race here at the British Grand Prix with this team. 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 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.”

Sunday’s win meant a lot for Hamilton as it did for the team. In recent weeks, Mercedes has recorded an improvement in performance, with back-to-back podium finishes and now back-to-pack wins, after Russell won the Austrian GP last week. They are still fourth in the constructor standings, but if they maintain the pace or their recent improvements, they could finish the season in the top two.