The seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Lewis Hamilton, has finally returned to winning ways by claiming victory at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday.

The Mercedes-Benz driver held off Max Verstappen to win his first race since 2021, and it was his record ninth victory at Silverstone.

Hamilton took the checkered flag in 1:22:27.059, while the reigning world champion, Verstappen, took second in 1.465 seconds off the pace.

Lando Norris of McLaren, who was also enjoying a home race, rounded off the podium in third.

Following his win, Hamilton, said over the past three years he has doubted his ability and it was not easy getting back onto the horse.

“It’s so tough, I think for anyone,” said an emotional Hamilton after his win.

“I think 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’s definitely been days between 2021 and here where I didn’t feel like I was good enough, or whether 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 turn up and see them putting in the effort, that really encouraged me to the same thing.

“Otherwise, my fans, when I see them around the world, they have been so supportive. A big, big thank you to everybody back at the factory, everyone here, I love you guys.”

The drivers and team take a break this week before heading to Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring on 21 July.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport