Silverstone 2024: Grand Prix

Formula 1

Coming into the Grand Prix, there was a lot of buzz, theories, and pseudo-strategists trying to predict what Silverstone would bring. However, knowing that Mercedes was returning to the championship swinging didn't take a crystal ball. It was written on the walls of the previous Grand Prix and the overall weekend. Although the silver arrows were slower in practice than their counterparts, the rain and wet road conditions soared George Russell and Lewis Hamilton into a 1-2 start.

Race day has arrived, the cars lined up, and the lights went out. It did not for Pierre Gasly, though, who had technical issues that prevented him from joining the rest of the pack. His weekend was already off to a bad start after receiving a 50-place grid placement penalty after having to secure new parts for his energy source and replacing the whole power unit. Sergio Perez was in the back of the field after spinning out in the gravel during qualifying the day before. This comes after news broke of a rumor making its rounds across the paddock: Sergio Perez is about to be booted from Red Bull, and Daniel Ricciardo is to replace him. Only time will tell about the validity of said rumor.

At the top five of the grid were George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri. George and Lewis had good starts and kept their respective places, but Lando Norris was passed by the Red Bull. The Dutchman’s lead on the McLaren would not last long, as he reported high tire degradation. Lando Norris passed Max Verstappen, as did Norris’ teammate, Oscar Piastri.

The battle between Max and the McLarens gave Lewis Hamilton the slightest gap to breathe and focus on George Russell in front of him. He set his sights and passed the fellow Mercedes. The rush of being in P1 lasted about 0.5 seconds as both the drivers hit a wet, slick part of the track and went wide into the run-off area. The pair rejoined the track with Hamilton in front, but the papaya crew were hot on their tails. Lando Norris inched in front of Russell and then began making moves to get to Hamilton. Lando’s confidence in the rain, paired with machinery that excels in fast straightaways, was no match for Hamilton’s Mercedes, which is slow in the straights. Lando Norris effortlessly soared past his once-upon-a-time hero. Soon after, Oscar Piastri also slipped past Hamilton.

(McLarens followed by Mercedes and Max Verstappen - Source: Formula 1 via X.com)

By lap 35, George Russell’s aspirations of winning 2 Grand Prix in a row were dashed away. Russell was told to retire the car after a suspected water system failure. Hamilton’s ambition only grew as he secured second behind Lando Norris. Max was not far behind in 3rd.

(George Russell being wheeled back into the garage - Source: Formula 1 via X.com)

On lap 40, Hamilton expertly decided to pit and change his intermediate tires for soft tires. Lando wanted to stay out on the intermediaries. This decision possibly cost him the Grand Prix. Lando finally pitted and put on Medium tires, but Hamilton was flying on his slick tires and inched in front of Lando when he exited the pit lane for P1. The warmed-up slicks were no match for cold medium tires and immediately put a 2.5-second gap between Hamilton and Lando. However, Max Verstappen also pitted when Lando did, and he was close behind the Brit. Max Verstappen’s hard tires were in much better condition than Lando’s soft tires, which were being pushed to the max to keep up with Hamilton. Max saw his opportunity and flew past the McLaren driver. Lando Norris tried to defend the move, but it was in vain. With Lando Norris out of his way, Verstappen aimed for Hamilton.

(Hamilton passing Lando coming from the pit lane - Source: Formula 1 via X.com)

Max’s effort to reach Lewis was not even a worry for Hamilton. It was easy to see Hamilton enter a flow state of sorts. He perfectly hit every apex, braking zone, and high-speed straight/corner. At that moment, I knew, the audience knew, the fans knew, and Lewis Hamilton knew he was winning the Grand Prix. This would be his 9th win at Silverstone, making him have the record for most wins at the track, even beating Micheal Schumaker’s eight wins.

Lewis Hamilton flew across the finish line, a Grand Prix winner once again, securing his legendary status and inspiring people worldwide. On the radio, you heard the seven-time world champion choke up, thanking his team. It was his 104th career win, but for Hamilton, it was the win he desperately needed. He got out of his car and sprinted toward his team. This will be his last Silverstone Grand Prix win with Mercedes. He followed it up with a long hug from his dad, his supporter from day one. From his first win at Silverstone 17 years ago.

(Lewis Hamilton hugging his dad, Anthony Hamilton. Source: Formula 1 via X.com)

Silverstone Grand Prix Results:

1. Lewis Hamilton

2. Max Verstappen

3. Lando Norris

4. Oscar Piastri

5. Carlos Sainz

6. Nico Hulkenberg

7. Lance Stroll

8. Fernando Alonso

9. Alexander Albon

10. Yuki Tsunoda

11. Logan Sargeant

12. Kevin Magnussen

13. Daniel Riccardo

14. Charles Leclerc

15. Valtteri Bottas

16. Esteban Ocon

17. Sergio Perez

18. Zhou Guanyu

19. George Russell (DNF)

20. Pierre Gasly (DNF)

Sources:

https://x.com/F1/status/1809997473169236356

https://x.com/F1/status/1809965230874611867

https://x.com/F1/status/1809960429608751290

https://x.com/F1/status/1809975256099979698