At the British Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton decisively rejected Sir Jackie Stewart’s comment that he no longer has the “hunger” for Formula 1. The weekend saw the seven-time world champion Hamilton easily win his first race on home soil in 945 days. At Silverstone, he achieved a historic ninth victory, creating a new record for the most wins by a driver on a single circuit. Hamilton’s victory released nearly three years’ worth of emotions after he endured two difficult seasons with Mercedes. According to the Express, famed British racer Stewart was among several who questioned Stewart’s talents and attitude after his failures on the track.
“First of all, Lewis is one of the best drivers in Formula 1 history,” he told the German publication Bild last year, casting a shadow. In actuality, though, he was a member of a Mercedes squad that was essentially unbeatable throughout the last ten years of racing.
Lewis’s corresponding teammate was the sole true rival throughout this period. With the exception of 2016, he won every time they faced off. Then Nico Rosberg triumphed over him. Respectfully: not the world’s most skilled driver, but a good one nonetheless. “But Rosberg was hungry, and he was driven beyond all measure to win the world championship. Lewis isn’t as hungry now. He is having major issues as a result of that plus the fact that the car isn’t quite as powerful.” When Hamilton triumphantly declared on Sunday, he displayed no indications of a racer who had lost his edge. He broke down in tears for a while after the chequered flag, and his voice could be heard over the team radio.
He further demonstrated his steadfastness in a post-race interview with Sky Sports, stating, “I can’t stop crying.” Every day since 2021, I’ve gotten up, tried to practice, battle, focus on the goal at hand, and work as hard as I can with this incredible team. With this crew, I’m finishing the British Grand Prix. “I genuinely wanted to win this for them because I adore them and am so grateful for all of their years of dedication and hard work. For everyone on this team, I will always be grateful. [Not winning since 2021] is really difficult.
What matters, though, is how you keep going deep even when you think you’ve reached your lowest point. Between 2021 and now, there have undoubtedly been days when I haven’t felt like I’m good enough or that I will return to where I am now. “What matters most, though, is that I was surrounded by wonderful individuals. To everyone here and at the facility, a huge, great thank you.”
Following his remarks, Hamilton did reply to the Flying Scot Stewart, who won three Formula One world titles from 1965 to 1973. He called him “short-sighted” and promised to be a seasoned driver who uplifts rather than denigrates the upcoming generation.