Lewis Hamilton Shatters Records Again: A Deep Dive into His Historic 104th F1 Win
It's another monumental chapter in the awe-inspiring career of Lewis Hamilton. On a thrilling Sunday at the 2024 British Grand Prix, Hamilton clinched his 104th Formula 1 win, breaking records and reaffirming his legendary status. But this was no ordinary victory; it marked several historic milestones that speak volumes about his longevity and unyielding skill.
The Crown Jewel: 104th Win
Hamilton ended a lengthy 56-race winless streak with a masterclass of driving excellence. His last victory was in Saudi Arabia in 2021, making this win all the more dramatic. The Silverstone track has always been favorable for Hamilton, and this victory was his ninth at this iconic circuit, setting a new F1 record for most wins at a single venue.
Age is Just a Number
At 39 years and 182 days old, Hamilton is the oldest F1 race winner of the 21st century, proving that age is just a number when it comes to talent and determination. His win at Silverstone was also his 12th consecutive podium finish at this circuit and his 15th overall at the venue, extending his record for most podiums at a single track.
A Long and Dominant Career
In another unprecedented feat, Hamilton set the record for the longest interval between his first and most recent win—17 years and one month. The previous record-holder, Kimi Raikkonen, had gone 15 years between victories. This staggering statistic demonstrates not only Hamilton's consistency but also his ability to adapt and compete at the highest level through different F1 eras.
The Mercedes Milestone
This victory was also Hamilton’s 150th podium finish for Mercedes and the 199th of his illustrious career. Beyond statistics, it underscores the fruitful partnership between Hamilton and Mercedes, a team that has provided him with the machinery to push the boundaries of what’s possible in Formula 1.
Driver of the Day
Hamilton's emotional return to the top step of the podium earned him the 'Driver of the Day' accolade, making him the first winner outside of Norris or the Ferrari drivers to clinch this honorary title in 2024.
Podium Standings and Championship Implications
Alongside Hamilton on the podium were Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. Verstappen's P2 finish marked his 107th podium appearance, placing him fourth on the all-time list, while Norris secured his seventh podium of the season. McLaren also continued their strong form, with Norris and Oscar Piastri keeping them competitive at the top. In fact, McLaren has now finished on the podium in the last eight consecutive races.
Noteworthy Mentions
The race saw notable performances from other drivers too. Nico Hulkenberg finished P6, marking back-to-back top-six finishes for Haas, a first since 2018. Lance Stroll's P7 for Aston Martin secured his third top-seven finish of the season. Additionally, Alex Albon matched his best result of the season with a P9 finish, while Yuki Tsunoda rounded out the top ten.
However, the race was less fortunate for some. Charles Leclerc continued his run of poor form since his Monaco win, finishing P14, and George Russell retired early, marking his second DNF in three British Grands Prix.
Looking Ahead
This race could very well serve as a turning point in the season. Hamilton’s win not only brings him back into the title conversation but also injects fresh excitement into the F1 championship race. As we look forward to the next rounds, all eyes will be on Hamilton to see if he can carry this momentum forward.