As Lewis Hamilton prepares for his highly anticipated debut Formula 1 British Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver, he shared a heartfelt message with fans about what returning to Silverstone means to him.
The seven-time World Champion hasn’t had the smoothest start to his first season with the Italian squad, still searching for his maiden Grand Prix victory in red — aside from his Sprint Race win in China.
Hamilton has struggled to unlock consistent performance from the SF-25, with Ferrari slipping back from the race-winning form it showed earlier in 2024 when it was battling McLaren for the Constructors’ title.
His team-mate Charles Leclerc has fared somewhat better, securing a couple of podium finishes, but Ferrari as a whole remains well below its expectations this season.
For Hamilton, the goal is clear: to claim his first Grand Prix win with Ferrari. And where better to achieve it than at his home race, Silverstone — a circuit where he holds the record for the most wins, an incredible nine victories to date.
Last time out at the Austrian Grand Prix, Hamilton finished fourth, just behind Leclerc, as Ferrari secured a solid points haul — though both were left chasing the dominant McLarens.
After the race, Hamilton was already looking ahead to the upcoming weekend at Silverstone.
“Yeah, absolutely,” he said when asked if he was excited for his first home race with Ferrari.
“I’m still loving being at Ferrari and looking forward to seeing the British flag with some red caps out there.”
‘More than just a race track’ – Hamilton on his special Silverstone bond
The 40-year-old went on to talk about the significance of his upcoming home Grand Prix and the special connection he has with Silverstone.
“Silverstone has always been more than just a race track for me,” Hamilton continued.
“I’ve had some of the most unforgettable highs with the crowd right there behind me, but coming here with Ferrari for the first time is something really special.
“I have so much history with this track, and for Ferrari to now be part of that story means a lot to me.
“I’m proud to wear red here, and I can’t wait to experience that incredible home crowd energy again.
“There are a few sections that really stand out, but Copse into Maggotts and Becketts – that’s just something else.
“It’s so fast and, when you get it right, it feels like you’re flying.
“But what makes Silverstone so special for me is the atmosphere.
“There’s a reason I’ve stood on the podium so many times here, and that’s the love from the fans.
“From my first win in 2008, to my ninth last year, the crowd is always with me, and no matter where I am on the track, I can feel their energy from inside the cockpit.”
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