Emotional Hamilton takes thrilling British Grand Prix

To use a phrase synonymous with Formula One’s most successful driver, still he rises.

- KIERAN JACKSON

It has been 943 days since Lewis Hamilton’s last victory, in Saudi Arabia, a week before the 2021 season finale which played havoc with the British superstar’s mindset. There is no doubt, in a painful off-season, that retirement entered his thoughts. Mercedes’ demise in the two-and-a-half years since triggered his shock decision to join Ferrari next year.

But it was dreaming of days like this, amid the near-misses in the past 31 months, that kept him going. And at his final home race for Mercedes, in a 52-lap thriller of the wet-dry conditions he so craves, Hamilton secured the sweetest of Formula One victories.

There were tears. Plenty of tears. This victory – Hamilton’s 104th – was perhaps his most emotional, such has been the agonising wait for the rich taste of success once more. As he held off his great rival from that infamous 2021 season, Max Verstappen, for a famous ninth win at Silverstone after a stunningly mature and expert drive, he could hold in his emotions no longer.

The 39-year-old embraced his father, Anthony, after the victory lap with the emotion and attachment of an infant. In typical fashion, he ran out onto the grass banks at the final corner waving the British flag in front of an adoring crowd. Still, helmet off now, the sheer sensation of the triumph was overwhelming for a man who perhaps thought he’d never feel such a thrill again.