Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team
Lewis Hamilton claimed a stunning 2024 Formula 1 British Grand Prix victory on Sunday at Silverstone. Unfortunately, George Russell was forced to retire due to a water system issue.
George and Lewis led the way in the opening laps, starting from the front row. However, a rain shower one-third of the way through the Grand Prix cycled the McLarens to the lead. That initial rain came and went before a further downpour necessitated a switch to the Intermediate tyres. Lewis emerged in P2, with the team double-stacking, with George in P4. Rising Power Unit temperatures due to a water system issue forced George to retire from the Grand Prix shortly after. With Lewis, the team’s sole remaining car, the team judged the switch back to dry tyres well and pitted him a lap earlier than the race-leading McLaren of Lando Norris. By switching to the Soft compound, Lewis strategically emerged in the lead and managed the final stint with finesse, securing a record-breaking ninth British Grand Prix win.
Lewis Hamilton has etched his name in the annals of Formula 1 history, becoming the first driver to win a Grand Prix in 16 different seasons and the first to win a Grand Prix after making 300 starts. His 150th podium with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team further cements his legacy in Formula 1.
George Russell
I’m absolutely gutted. About ten laps before I had to retire, I could see temperature alarms on my steering wheel. We were battling a water system issue, and unfortunately, it won out. Congratulations to Lewis and the team, though. He drove a great race, and it’s a fully deserved victory. We’ve both been pushing hard to help the team develop the car, and seeing that paying off is great.
The car felt so good today. With the weather conditions, we knew it would be a long race. When the rain first came down, we struggled a little. We were able to find our pace again, though, and it would have been an interesting battle to the end. Nevertheless, it’s been an amazing weekend for us as a team. We can be proud of our achievements and excitedly look forward to the final two races before the summer break.
Lewis Hamilton
Today means so much. It is the most incredible honour to be standing on the top step of the podium here at Silverstone. I think my heart is still racing! We’ve had so many amazing times here, and today was the most emotional end to a win I’ve ever had. It has been a really challenging few years for everyone in the team. Knowing how hard everyone has worked to fight back, I think it was a real release of emotion. I am forever grateful to everyone in this team, Mercedes, and all our partners. To finally succeed is the greatest feeling I remember having.
It was a tricky race, and the changeable conditions made it a real challenge. We kept our cool, though, and made the right call at the right time to switch back to slicks. That helped us take back the lead; from there, we could bring it home.
Toto Wolff, Team Principal & CEO
Today’s win is like a fairytale. It is our last British Grand Prix together with Lewis, and what a way to sign off. It is such a great feeling to achieve victory in front of the British crowds with the most iconic and successful British driver in a Mercedes.
Last week’s win was fortuitous. Today, we were quick in almost all conditions. We ran first and second for a long time, and although the McLarens were quick when the rain fell, we could get back ahead of them. It is a win on merit, and it shows the grit of this team. We never stopped believing, we never stopped working, and we have been able to unlock the potential in the car. We are now on a roll.
George was unfortunate today. He has been so strong recently and took a fantastic pole position yesterday. Sadly, we had to retire his car due to a water system issue. He would have likely been able to fight for the win were it not for that.
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