Lewis Hamilton Secures Thrilling Win at Formula 1 British Grand Prix Amidst Rainy Conditions
Lewis Hamilton has revealed that the sudden rain shower was the catalyst for his dramatic overtaking maneuver, ultimately leading to his win at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix. The seven-time Formula 1 champion brought an end to his win drought, which dated back to December 2021, in a riveting mixed conditions encounter.
Hamilton initially trailed behind his Mercedes teammate George Russell but seized the opportunity to overtake him at Stowe on Lap 18, as the rain began to fall. The Briton explained that he was initially focused on nursing his tires to run longer than Russell, but the forecasted precipitation prompted him to alter his strategy and attack.
“I think the first in was a little bit on the wing to the front, so I was, you know, understeering, I think. But I was just managing, trying to make sure that, because you didn’t know how long you had to go, I was actually planning to go a long way. I was supposed to go a lot longer than George. He had really great pace and he was trying, obviously, to break the tow.”
Hamilton added, “I was trying to make sure that stayed within 1.6, two seconds. And then I knew that I could see the rain was coming. And then when that rain came, I knew that that was the moment to pounce.”
However, both Hamilton and Russell lost ground to Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri of McLaren on the next lap, running wide at Turn 1. The McLaren duo momentarily took the lead, but Hamilton would eventually regain the top spot through a well-timed pit stop for slick tires as the track dried.
“That last thing, I think we timed it perfect. Getting that undercut on Lando, I think was really key. And the team did such a great job with the pit stop as well.”
Hamilton’s win marked the end of his drought, and he acknowledged that preserving the Intermediates in good condition as the track dried was crucial. He believes that gaining track position was vital, as McLaren had the faster car.
“It was really, really tricky conditions because it was wet from Turn 14 to 15, but then dry in places. Turn 9 was dry. So the tyres, the whole left side was graining for both of us. I’m pretty sure for Lando as well. And at the beginning, it was really difficult to close that gap.”
Hamilton secured his win over Max Verstappen, holding off the Dutch driver’s late charge to take the checkered flag. The win was a significant milestone for Hamilton, and he expressed gratitude for the perfect timing of his pit stop and the team’s efforts.
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