Hamilton’s historic win: Triumph and drama at British Grand Prix
The 2024 F1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday, July 7, was a thrilling spectacle, with rain adding to the drama and producing the season’s sixth individual winner. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton delighted the home crowd with a long-awaited victory.
However, it wasn’t a flawless day for the Mercedes team. Fellow Brit and teammate George Russell was forced to retire on lap 34 due to a suspected water system failure, dashing his hopes of a home win after leading much of the race.
Hamilton’s fans had every reason to celebrate. The seven-time world champion ended a 945-day winless streak with a hard-fought victory over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. This win also marked Hamilton’s ninth victory at Silverstone, setting a new F1 record for the most wins at a single venue.
An emotional Hamilton, 39, called the win a career highlight, stating, “I can’t stop crying,” reflecting on the mental health battles he’s faced since his last victory. With Hamilton set to join Ferrari next year, this win is a fitting end to his dominant era with Mercedes at Silverstone.
F1 betting enthusiasts who wagered on Hamilton were well-rewarded, with odds of $20.00 early on, narrowing to $3.25 by race start. Lando Norris, another Brit, looked poised for a strong finish but was hampered by McLaren’s race strategy, ultimately finishing behind Hamilton and Verstappen.
Norris, starting from P3, initially lost his position to Verstappen but reclaimed it mid-race. However, a slow pit stop and the decision to use slick tyres in the final stint cost him dearly as Hamilton and Verstappen outpaced him.
Silverstone 2024 British Grand Prix winners & losers
- Oscar Piastri: The Australian missed out on a podium due to a McLaren pit wall error during the rain. Piastri lost significant time staying on track while others switched to intermediate tyres. Despite this, he’s edging closer to his first F1 win.
- Max Verstappen: Starting from P4, Verstappen’s race was marked by tyre degradation issues. However, a timely switch to intermediate tyres helped him secure a podium finish.
- Lewis Hamilton: Securing his 104th F1 win, Hamilton ended a nearly three-year drought. His victory reaffirmed his place in the “GOAT” discussions, with motorsport enthusiast Jeremy Clarkson advising pre-race to “always back the old boys in the wet.”
Winners
- Sergio Perez: Known as “Checo,” Perez’s performance was disappointing. Used by Red Bull to test intermediate tyres early, Perez’s lack of competitiveness continues to raise questions about his future with the team.
- Charles Leclerc: Suffering from Ferrari’s poor strategy, Leclerc dropped from P7 to battling for P15. His frustration was evident post-race, stating, “I don’t even know what to say anymore.”
- McLaren: The team’s poor strategy calls cost them potential P1 and P2 finishes. Fans were left wondering what might have been for Norris and Piastri.
Losers
- Nico Hulkenberg: Hulkenberg’s P6 finish, just behind Carlos Sainz, marked his second consecutive top-six finish for Haas. This performance hints at more top-six potential for Hulkenberg and Haas as the season progresses.
F1 Follow
This year’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone was a testament to the unpredictable nature of F1 racing, with hometown heroics, strategic missteps, and standout performances making it a race to remember.
