In a stunning comeback, Lewis Hamilton clinched his 104th career victory in a dramatic dry-wet-dry race, marking an emotional and triumphant return to form.
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Hamilton reflects on struggles amid F1 dry spell
Reflecting on his journey, Hamilton opened up about the mental health struggles that plagued him since the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“I can’t stop crying,”Hamilton confessed post-race.
“We live in a time where mental health is such a serious issue, and I’m not going to lie, I have experienced that. It’s been so tough, but the important thing is how you continue to get up and dig deep even when you feel like you’re at the bottom of the barrel. There have been days since 2021 when I didn’t feel good enough.”
This win, however, felt different. “I have never cried from a win before; it just came out of me. And it is a great feeling, and I am grateful for it,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
The victory came after a grueling 945-day winless streak, dating back to December 5, 2021, in Saudi Arabia, just before the infamous Abu Dhabi race.
Now, Hamilton has found redemptive solace on a stage he has dominated like no other.
The echoes of his past successes resounded at the track, where 16 years ago, he delivered one of the all-time great drives in blanket wet conditions.
This time, the rain came and went, adding an element of jeopardy to the race.
Hamilton’s British bulldog, Roscoe, sporting a blue collar with Hamilton’s name and his iconic ’44’ number, was present in the Mercedes motorhome, adding a touch of nostalgia.
Lewis Hamilton proves he still has it
Despite being in the autumn of his career at 39, Hamilton’s driving skills remain unparalleled.
He capitalized on the opportunity, showcasing his ability to get the job done.
With Mercedes finally finding the keys to his car, Hamilton demonstrated he is far from finished.
Lando Norris seemed poised for victory, but strategic missteps from McLaren cost him the race.
Hamilton seized the opportunity, pulling ahead after a brilliantly timed tire change and maintaining his lead with exceptional driving.
Anthony Hamilton, his father, expressed his pride and amazement, telling Sky Sports, “How crazy was that? He was never going to give that up. You just have to watch the times, it was a tenth [of a second] here, a tenth there, it didn’t matter what was happening. Lewis was in full control.”
Hamilton’s victory also marked the end of the longest dry spell of his career.
“It is the most incredible honor to be standing on top of the podium, hearing the national anthem with the king’s name in it – that’s the first time I’ve had that,” Hamilton enthused.
Reflecting on his journey and the presence of his parents, he added, “My first world championship in 2008 was incredible, and my parents were there, but it was difficult to absorb it all. Now is just a different point of life. My parents are getting older. We all try to be there for each other even at a distance. It meant most to have them here and share this with them.”
