Lewis Hamilton’s emotional victory at the British Grand Prix has garnered praise and congratulations from all corners of the Formula 1 world. The 39-year-old fended off a late charge from Max Verstappen to win in front of a packed crowd at Silverstone, with fellow Brit Lando Norris rounding out the top three.
It is Hamilton’s first win since 2021 in Saudi Arabia, leaving the Mercedes driver in tears after his triumph at his home grand prix. The seven-time champion becomes the sixth different winner in 12 races in 2024, and his latest win sees him break the record for the most wins by a driver at a single circuit, securing his ninth victory at Silverstone.
Vettel Labels Hamilton the GOAT
Hamilton’s victory at the British GP marks his 104th career win, extending his lead at the top of all-time grand prix triumphs. The debate over who is the greatest F1 driver of all time often includes Hamilton alongside legends like Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, and Alain Prost.
After Hamilton’s win at Silverstone, four-time champion Sebastian Vettel took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message for his former championship rival, posting: “Goat. Congrats Lewis,” with a picture of Hamilton holding up the Union Jack as he stepped out of his car.
Verstappen’s Unexpected Response
Max Verstappen, known for his competitive spirit and rivalry with Hamilton, responded to Vettel’s comment in a post-race interview. “I think it’s great that Sebastian appreciates Lewis’s achievements,” Verstappen said. “Hamilton has had an incredible career, and his performance today shows he’s still at the top of his game. Calling him the GOAT is a huge compliment, and it’s well-deserved.”
Verstappen continued, “Every driver has their own era and challenges. For me, it’s always about pushing the limits and striving to be the best, and Lewis has set a very high bar for all of us. Competing against him makes us all better drivers.”
Verstappen’s acknowledgment of Hamilton’s s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 and Vettel’s compliment adds an interesting dimension to the ongoing debate about the greatest F1 driver. With his own career still blossoming, Verstappen seems to respect the legacy that Hamilton is continuing to build.
Hamilton’s record-breaking win at Silverstone and the subsequent praise from both Vettel and Verstappen highlight the respect and admiration he commands within the F1 community. As the season progresses, the competition remains fierce, and fans eagerly await the next chapter in this storied rivalry.
