At a wet Silverstone track, the crowd of over 130,000 were thrilled to see Hamilton carry on his superb form to equal Nigel Mansell’s record of 4 British wins at their home grand prix.
Rain had soaked the crowd prior to the race and in-doing so, drivers were making tyre changes early on into the race, as Hamilton led at the front. As soon as the safety car disappeared, Hamilton drove dominated the track and kept an eye on overall championship leader Nico Rosberg.
The Mercedes driver was in a battle on two fronts; with Hamilton leading the race and his own position on the track being challenged by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The battle between the two intensified around the Northampton track. First Rosberg was duly caught around lap 16, as the Dutchman moved effortlessly around the championship leader.
A lead that was held onto until lap 38 when Rosberg collared 2nd spot again as he passed Verstappen at Stowe Corner until the end. But further drama followed for Rosberg, who was later demoted to 3rd place again in the standings, after stewards ruled that the driver was given too much help towards the end of the race by his team bosses over the radio, when he had to reset his car system to hold onto 2nd. The 10 second penalty given to him, drop him to 3rd on the podium. But more significantly was a drop in points, which enabled Hamilton to close the gap to one point in the overall championship.
“Ever since 2007 I have felt the energy from the fans here, the best crowd in the world – the success speeds up that connection. Every time I made it through certain corners I could see the fans in the corner of my eye,” Hamilton said afterwards.
Hamilton, who first won on home ground in 2008 added: “In the closing laps, I could see them shouting. I am very honoured. It is a very humbling experience to be in this sport, particularly in a time of difficulty in the world and see so much love in the world.”
