Hamilton remembers Lauda after Silverstone win: "Would take his hat off"

F1 News

lewis hamilton remembers niki lauda after british grand prix victory 2024
9 July at 08:44
  • Olly Darcy
  • Editor

It was a hugely emotional win for Lewis Hamilton at the British Grand Prix. Not only was it a record ninth success at his home Grand Prix, but it was his first victory since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a win that was two-and-a-half years in waiting. Since the tough ending to the 2021 season, Mercedes have struggled to find their way to the front of the grid, but a resurgent German team have now won two races in a row, a feat that former World Champion and Non-Executive Chairman of Mercedes Niki Lauda would have been proud of, Hamilton believes. 

"Pure pace" the reason for Mercedes' win says Hamilton

Since the regulation change hit the world of F1 in 2022, Mercedes were one of the biggest teams to lose out. After going from competing in the drivers' and constructors' title battles from 2014 to 2021, the German team did not ace the new car designs, winning only one race in 2022 and not a single race in 2023. However, there has been a 'lightbulb' moment in the garage, and since the Canadian Grand Prix, Mercedes have been back at the front fighting for victories.

"I think George's win last week was amazing, but it wasn't on pure pace," said Hamilton. "I think this weekend was the first time we did it on pure pace without qualifying on the front row. After that even pulling in that first stint, both of us pulled away from everybody else. Then ultimately, I think with the conditions today, the driver is able to make a bit of a difference."

Now they have done that, thanks to back-to-back wins to close out the first triple-header in the 2024 season. George Russell was able to take victory at the Austrian Grand Prix after the collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris at the front of the grid, and now Hamilton has worked his way to the top step of the podium on merit after a brilliant drive in the wet-dry race at Silverstone. After the race, the seven-time World Champion said the unbelievable turnaround is down to the team in the garage, and it is something that Lauda would have been immensely proud of.

"I'm hugely grateful to everyone in the team," started the Brit. "I think this is just hats off to everyone. Niki would definitely take his hat off. But everyone that's continued to work hard, everyone in the garage has continued to show up each weekend and not get downbeat by results.