"So many thoughts cross your mind": Lewis Hamilton looks back on his 104th win that came after almost 3 years

F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain - Source: Getty
Lewis Hamilton kissing the winner's trophy after the 2024 F1 British Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton recently reflected on his 104th race win at the 2024 F1 British GP held in July. Before this, his last win came 945 days ago at the 2021 F1 Saudi Arabian GP where he battled Red Bull's Max Verstappen for the drivers' title.

During the three British GP practice sessions last month, Hamilton demonstrated a respectable pace, securing P7, P6, and P2. Subsequently, he achieved his highest qualifying position in 2024 at Silverstone — P2.

He and his teammate and polesitter George Russell, started the Grand Prix from the front row. Both Mercedes drivers got off to a great start, managing to hold off Red Bull's Max Verstappen and McLaren's Lando Norris.

Russell's car problem forced him to retire from the British GP, while Hamilton went on to win. The 39-year-old was in tears after the much-needed triumph. During the winning lap, he sobbed while talking over the radio with the Mercedes pit wall.

Recalling the moments from the British GP, Lewis Hamilton recently told Esquire that it was something out of a fairy tale. He explained how a flurry of thoughts storms a driver's mind during a race weekend, some of which they eventually start believing.

"Everyone was talking about it being this fairy tale. And it really, really was unexpected. Going into that weekend, I had no idea that that was going to be possible. And it had been such a long time. So many thoughts cross your mind. Some of them you start to potentially believe in, bit by bit," Hamilton said.

The Brit was delighted to have excelled in his home race and win with Mercedes at Silverstone for the last time before he leaves for Ferrari in 2025.

"And finally, I had that day when I was able to excel, and we excelled as a team, and it just kind of shuts that all down. And it helps you rebuild again. So it was really great to be able to do it at home, in my home country, with my family around. The last race in Mercedes at Silverstone. It couldn’t have been more magical," he added.

Former F1 team owner showered praise over Lewis Hamilton after his British GP win

Former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan lauded Lewis Hamilton following his victory at the 2024 F1 British GP.

Speaking on the 'Formula For Success' podcast, Jordan weighed in on the "euphoric" mood that surrounded Silverstone following Hamilton's win. He also complimented the Mercedes driver for using his superior racecraft to provide joy to motorsport fans.

"You know, the atmosphere was euphoric, triumphant. It was amazing, Silverstone went absolutely stratospheric! And I put that down to what Lewis has done over the last 16-18 years. He's brought such joy and happiness to people of motor racing interests. I would say it's kind of inspirational," Jordan said. [1:06]

As of now, Lewis Hamilton stands in sixth place in the drivers' championship table with 150 points.

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Edited by Parag Jain