Emotional Lewis Hamilton struggles to hold back tears after claiming record British Grand Prix victory

Tears of joy and relief flowed for Lewis Hamilton after the home favourite claimed his first victory since 2021 at the British Grand Prix.

Hamilton overcame the changeable conditions to retake the lead from fellow Briton Lando Norris, who finished third behind Red Bull championship leader Max Verstappen after timing his pit stops to perfection following a rain shower at Silverstone.

And after 945 long days, Hamilton finally managed to cross the checkered flag for the 104th time in his career.

“I can’t stop crying,” Hamilton said after wiping away tears with a towel. “Since 2021, every day I get up to fight, to train, to focus on the task at hand and work as hard as I can with this incredible team.

“This is my last race here with this incredible team and I wanted to win it for them. I will be forever grateful to everyone on this team.

“All our amazing fans, I could see you lap by lap as I was coming back and there’s no greater feeling than finishing up front here.”

Hamilton’s victory at Silverstone was a record ninth, which he set himself as he waved the Union Jack from the cockpit during an emotional lap of honour.

Hamilton could be heard fighting back tears as he thanked his race engineer Pete Bonnington and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff at what was his final home race with the team before joining Ferrari from the start of next season.

“It’s very difficult for everyone, but the important thing is to keep getting back up and digging deep, even when you feel like you’re at rock bottom,” Hamilton said of his struggles over the past few seasons.

“There have definitely been days since 2021 where I didn’t feel like I was good enough or if I was going to get back to where I am today.

“But most importantly, I’m surrounded by great people who continue to support me and my team. Every time I see them and I’m putting in the effort, it really encourages me to do the same.”