Lewis Hamilton took a jab at Max Verstappen’s dominant spell after winning the British GP earlier today. This was his first win since the 2021 Saudi Arabian GP.
Hamilton brought Mercedes’ consecutive second win this season after a strong drive at Silverstone. The team had locked the front row in qualifying after George Russell’s pole position; however, he had to retire early from the race, reportedly because of losing water pressure in the car.
Hamilton was in contention for a win, but the McLarens looked quite strong as well. The race took a turn towards strategic gameplay as periods of rain persisted with dry conditions above Silverstone. Lewis Hamilton, however, was able to stay in the lead with soft tires at the end of the race after Lando Norris faced a slow pitstop (he stopped a little ahead in his pit box).
Max Verstappen put himself in P2 despite losing out on podium places early in the race because of some good strategic calls. Following the event, the Dutch driver noted how long Hamilton had to wait to win a race, stating:
“It’s been a while!”
Hamilton replied by pointing out Verstappen’s dominant period between 2021 and the current season.
“Ball hogger!” he said.
A ball hogger, in basketball terms, is used to refer to a player who does not pass the ball to their teammates and dominates alone in the game.
Lewis Hamilton talks about his tough phase after the 2021 season
Hamilton’s spell of dominance came to an end after the 2021 season, when Max Verstappen defeated him in the final race to clinch his first world championship. The Saudi Arabian GP that season remained the 39-year-old’s last race win until today.
After the race, Lewis Hamilton talked about this phase with Jenson Button and admitted that it had been difficult for him. He added that he questioned himself and sometimes thought that he might not return to his peak in racing. He said:
“I mean there’s definitely been days between 2021 and here where I didn’t feel like I was not good enough or whether I was going to get back to where I am today.”
“But the important thing is that I had great people around me, continuing to support me and my team every time I turned up and see them putting in the effort that really encouraged me to do the same thing. And otherwise, my fans. When I see them around the world, they have been so supportive. So, a big big thank you to everyone back at the factory, everyone here, I love you guys, and God bless you,” Hamilton concluded.
This was Lewis Hamilton’s final British Grand Prix with Mercedes. He will move to Ferrari in the next season, leaving behind a vacant seat but eight constructor’s championships that he helped them gain through the years.
