Lewis Hamilton winning at Silverstone, in his last British Grand Prix with Mercedes was a standout highlight among the several that occurred across a riveting 2024 Formula 1 campaign.
Motorsport Week’s writers have charted their favourite moments of the 2024 F1 season with Reporter Harry Whitfield picking Hamilton’s return to the top step of the podium at Silverstone.
“Charles Leclerc’s first Monaco Grand Prix win, Lando Norris’ maiden victory in Miami: there have been some fantastic races in 2024. But my personal favourite was Hamilton’s record-breaking ninth British GP victory and his first since 2021.
“After two seasons without a race win, it felt weird not to see Hamilton stand on the top step on the podium. However, the victory made the wait worthwhile.
“You couldn’t write a better send-off for the Briton in his final year with the Silver Arrows. The pace was there all weekend and, after narrowly missing out on pole to his team-mate George Russell, Hamilton kept his cool to stay in the fight with the ever-changing British weather.
“Despite a late charge from Max Verstappen, he held on and, I have to say, I have never heard the seven-time World Champion so emotional over the radio.
“The celebrations afterwards and the hug with his dad Anthony was super special. I just hope he can get that famous win in red next year… maybe even in front of the Tifosi.”
Hamilton reacts to Silverstone win
Speaking after his return to winning ways, Hamilton was overcome with emotion at Silverstone.
“Yeah, I can’t stop crying,” Hamilton said in parc ferme.
“I think, you know, since 2021, I’m 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, 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 over the years.
“I’m forever grateful to everyone in this team, everyone at Mercedes, and all of our partners.
“And I just want to say thank you to all of you for being here with us today. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
“And then otherwise to all our incredible fans, I could see you lap by lap as I was coming around, and there’s just no greater feeling as to finish at the front here.
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