‘Proud’ Hamilton makes British GP history

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Lewis Hamilton secured victory in the British GP making it six home wins for the Mercedes driver, a new record

Lewis Hamilton says he is “incredibly proud” to have broken the British GP wins record and claims he “harnessed the energy” from his home fans to clinch a Silverstone thriller.

Hamilton made history on Sunday by becoming the first driver to win the iconic British GP six times, with the world champion beating Valtteri Bottas while Ferrari and Red Bull battled and collided.

While Hamilton benefited from a Safety Car his performance was still all but faultless, putting Bottas under immense pressure at the start of the race before comfortably easing away from the field after his first stop to the delight of the Silverstone faithful.

“It definitely hasn’t sunk in,” Hamilton told Sky F1. “I still remember my first win here, my first pole here. Every year it’s such a challenge.

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Mercedes team-mates Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas were in a close battle on track in the early stages of the British GP

“This track is amazing. I can’t really put into words just how spectacular the track is to drive, especially with the cars that we have today and the downforce we have and everything. It’s like poetry in motion.”

Hamilton, who broke Jim Clark’s 52-year record, added: “Just to be amongst the greats that have shone on this circuit and here in the UK… I’m so incredibly proud to be a part of it.”

Hamilton riding the crest of a wave
The Englishman, now 39 points clear in the championship as he strives for a sixth drivers’ crown, felt he had to deliver on Sunday after a disappointing qualifying where he was edged to pole by Bottas.

“Second is great, third is great but first is something unique and on its own,” said Hamilton. “When you’re striving for perfection, and you don’t ultimately reach it, you can still be proud of yourself but how I work is that I’m hard on myself.

“I was a little bit frustrated with myself yesterday, and how I do things… I know better. Normal things as humans, we make mistakes. I wanted to come here today and do something powerful.”

Hamilton praised the fans, who he celebrated with afterwards by going crowd-surfing.

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Watch as Anthony Hamilton drives both Lewis Hamilton and Nicolas Hamilton around Silverstone ahead of the British GP

“I wanted to harness the fans’ energy,” he explained. “My dad took my around in one of his old cars [in the track parade] and he had never seen what that was like, people beaming their energy at you. He was so happy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so happy. I feel like I captivated that energy they had and used it.

“I’m so proud and I’m so grateful for everyone’s support.”

More to follow…

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