As Lewis Hamilton’s dry spell persisted, he found himself grappling with numerous thoughts and doubts.
Winning his first race since that title fight, Lewis Hamilton cannot say if Sunday’s British GP victory will lay that to rest and mark the final stage in his healing process.
Back in 2021, Hamilton went wheel-to-wheel against Max Verstappen for the World title with the Mercedes driver winning the penultimate race of the championship to draw level on points.
Will Lewis Hamilton’s Silverstone win lay the ghosts of Abu Dhabi to rest?
Unbeknownst to Hamilton, it would take him 945 days to secure another victory.
Hamilton found it incredibly “painful” to relinquish the World title to Verstappen just one race after leading for the majority of the season finale in Abu Dhabi. This anguish was amplified by the controversial decision made by then-FIA race director Michael Masi.
Hamilton and his team boss Toto Wolff have expressed the lasting impact of the emotional aftermath caused by the disappointment of narrowly missing out on the historic eighth World title in Abu Dhabi. The setback left them with deep emotional wounds that they are still dealing with.
But whether Sunday’s British Grand Prix will signal the next stage in the healing process that allows Hamilton to move on, the Briton cannot say.
In 2022, he believed that he had moved on from it. However, as he lined up on the grid, he soon realized that he was mistaken.
“I believe that only time will reveal the true impact,” he commented regarding the outcome of Sunday’s triumph in concluding Abu Dhabi 2021. “However, I can assure you that I won’t surrender.”
“I have confidence in the choices I’m making in my life, including how I plan and prioritize my time. For instance, I’ve made a decision for next year that reflects my commitment and love for both this team and my job.”
“I have an immense passion for this job, and nothing else can compare to it. I feel extremely grateful to be among these 20 drivers in this incredible sport that is currently experiencing a momentous period.”
I sincerely hoped that… To be honest, upon my return in 2022, I believed I had moved on from it. However, I soon realized that wasn’t the case, and recovering from that emotion has indeed been a lengthy process.
“It is completely normal for anyone who has had that experience to feel that way. I have been dedicated to improving myself and seeking inner peace on a daily basis.”
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Lewis Hamilton feared win No. 104 was ‘never going to happen’
Hamilton made history at the British Grand Prix, securing not only a remarkable nine victories at Silverstone, but also marking his 150th podium as a Mercedes driver.
After winning his 103rd victory, he further expanded his record for the most F1 Grands Prix wins to 104, achieving this milestone approximately two and a half years later.
He stated, “Considering the adversity we have faced as a team and the personal challenges I have personally encountered, it feels like a constant battle that we all have to face each day. We need to wake up and give our best effort.”
“There are numerous instances when you may believe that your utmost effort falls short. The resulting disappointment can be overwhelming, especially considering the current significance of mental health in our society.”
To be honest, I’ve personally gone through such experiences. There have certainly been moments when I thought it was the end, and I believed that it would never happen again.
Honestly, I have never shed tears after a victory, but this overwhelming sensation just welled up inside me. It’s an incredible feeling that I am immensely thankful for.
At the circuit, both his father and mother were present to support him, and he experienced an incredibly emotional moment while sharing it with them.
“He said that my parents have attended a few races with me. My mother was present when we won a championship, and my father has also witnessed our championship victory. However, these moments have occurred at different stages of my life.”
“The First World Championship was truly amazing, yet it proved quite overwhelming for me given my young age. With the continuous travel and our parents aging, it has become incredibly challenging to find time for family amidst the demands of life.”
“My niece and nephew are blossoming and outgrowing their adorable phase. However, I had the pleasure of spending this weekend with them, and I believe they have all… We always make an effort to support one another, even when we’re far apart. Yet, having them physically present was an incredible experience and…”
“I mean, their support has always been there for me, but it meant so much to see them present and join me in this moment. They were determined to witness my final race, the British Grand Prix, alongside this exceptional team that has meant so much to us.”
“I mean, Mercedes has been my unwavering support since the age of 13. It has truly meant the world to have them by my side and to be able to celebrate this with them.”
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