HAMMY’S A GREAT BRIT
Lewis breezes to record sixth home GP
LEWIS HAMILTON admitted romping to a record-breaking sixth triumph at Silverstone was “incredible”.
The five-time world champ delighted a 141,000strong crowd at the British Grand Prix as he leapfrogged Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas during a safety car period.
That moment proved decisive and Hamilton breezed to a victory that moved him clear of Scottish legend Jim Clark and Frenchman Alain Prost to cement his standing as the master of this showdown.
He said: “It feels incredible. To have six and to be up there with the greats ...
“I remember growing up watching this sport, watching the greats, meeting the greats, even working with the greats.
“To now be up there with them is one of the cooler things. This is the greatest single moment for any athlete in the world – to raise their flag as the No.1 in their own country.”
It was a thrilling encounter, one of the contenders for race of the season.
As Hamilton cruised home he celebrated his 80th career victory with the words: “What a day, I love you Silverstone.”
The Englishman draped a Union Jack over his shoulders and crowd surfed with his adoring fans.
It was the perfect way for Hamilton to silence his critics after he was forced to defend his Britishness on the eve of this race.
After Bottas beat him to pole on Saturday, Hamilton was quizzed on living in Monaco and not having a British accent.
Ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand yesterday suggested “racial undertones” are driving critics.
But Hamilton focused on the positives and added: “I can’t tell you how proud I am to be here in front of my home crowd. It was one of the best days I can remember.
“I remember my first win here in 2008. The excitement, happiness and joy I felt was exactly the same. Today felt just as amazing as the first win I ever had.”