Lewis Hamilton revealed he just couldn’t ‘stop crying’ after winning the British Grand Prix to end his two-and-a-half-year run without claiming a race victory.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton enjoyed a much awaited return to form following a spectacular race win at Silverstone that saw him break a record, leaving him emotional as he admitted he “can’t stop crying” as he celebrated his victory.
On a rainy and dramatic day of racing, the driver set a record with his ninth victory at Silverstone, the most wins at a single circuit in the history of the sport. It also marked his 104th career victory in F1.
The Brit started from second on the grid alongside pole-sitter and team-mate George Russell, who unfortunately retired with a water pressure issue.
Mercedes later propelled Hamilton into the lead after pitting him one lap before Lando Norris when the track was drying up and from there, he fended off a surging Verstappen to secure his ninth win on home soil.
The seven time world champion made it onto the top of the podium for the first time in 945 days after years of dominance by rival Max Verstappen since the 2021 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.
Hamilton could be heard sobbing over the radio after crossing the finish line as he stated he was determined to win his final British Grand Prix with Mercedes before joining Ferrari next season.
“I can’t stop crying,” the 39-year old said. “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.
“It’s so tough, I think for anyone, but the important thing is just how you continue to get up and you’ve got to continue to dig deep even when you feel like you’re at the bottom of the barrel.
“There have definitely been days between 2021 and here where I didn’t feel like I was good enough or I was going to get back to where I am today. But the important thing is I had great people around me, continuing to support me.
“My team, every time I turned up and saw them putting in the effort that really encouraged me to do the same thing.
“Otherwise, my fans, when I see them around the world, they have been so supportive. So a big, big thank you to everybody. There’s just no greater feeling as to finish at the front here.”
