Lewis Hamilton’s victory in his final British Grand Prix for Mercedes is “like a bit fairytale,” in response to group principal Toto Wolff.
Mercedes didn’t win a race in 2023 whereas Hamilton’s personal drought prolonged to the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, however after George Russell’s victory in Austria it was Hamilton’s flip to face on the highest step once more at Silverstone. The win is Hamilton’s ninth at his house race, and comes earlier than he joins Ferrari in 2025, one thing Wolff admits is particular.
“It was so troublesome during the last two years [not really finding any] efficiency; we couldn’t give the drivers a automobile that was in a position to go for the victories,” Wolff stated. “To make him win once more, the British Grand Prix, in his final race for Mercedes right here, it’s nearly like a bit fairytale.”
Wolff admits it was a difficult race to deal with with the altering climate situations, but in addition feels a way of frustration after polesitter Russell was pressured to retire with a water system difficulty.
“It was troublesome. We have been actually controlling the tempo at first and that was very encouraging,” he stated. “Then it began to rain and also you see the huge efficiency that the McLaren had, they usually have been merely within the candy spot of the tire. However we got here again in these situations and I feel we had it beneath management.
“It’s only a disgrace we DNF’d with George; he had the tempo and we let him down right here with a water leak. It’s simply not nice however the overarching end result right here with Lewis, final British Grand Prix… George goes to win one.”
Hamilton was significantly emotional after the race and, to Wolff, the most recent victory looks like a very long time coming, significantly after the seven-time world champion revealed he had doubts over whether or not he’d win one other race.
“It’s clear our relationship goes again a very long time,” Wolff stated. “Every of us has suffered at varied phases. He’s been there for me and most not too long ago I’ve tried to do my contribution to his doubting at instances. That’s why it feels actually good that he’s been in a position to put all of the unfavorable ideas, all of the negativity apart, and give you this efficiency. I feel it’s a weight off his shoulders.”
