George Russell's immediate reaction to Lewis Hamilton victory speaks volumes
George Russell demonstrated his class after Lewis Hamilton took victory at the British Grand Prix ahead of Max Verstappen.
George Russell was the first person to come over to Lewis Hamilton and congratulate his team-mate after his incredible British Grand Prix victory. Hamilton was immediately approached by Russell following the race for a handshake while crying in his car.
The seven-time champion conquered the changing conditions at Silverstone, timing his pit-stops to perfection and retaking the lead from fellow British driver Lando Norris. Hamilton, 39, raced to the chequered flag to seal the 104th victory of his long career, having gone 945 days without a win previously.
He was overcome with emotion as he parked up in parc ferme, remaining seated in the cockpit for several moments. Russell, who himself was left bitterly disappointed after retiring despite starting in pole, put his own feelings to the side and showed great sportsmanship by rushing over to congratulate Hamilton.
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Well aware of how much it meant to his tearful team-mate, Russell shook his hand and tapped him on the helmet, demonstrating the huge respect between the pair. It comes despite some barbs being exchange between them earlier this season, in what is also Hamilton’s last with Mercedes.
Hamilton said in May after a gruelling Monaco Grand Prix that he didn’t expect to out qualify the younger Mercedes star for the rest of the season, suggesting favouritism towards him from the team. The veteran missed out on a front wing upgrade, offering it to Russell as there was only one of the part available at the time.
Russell hit back by saying: “I think that was probably comments in the heat of the moment," before adding: "because he knows full well that we get the same treatment.
"Lewis is a winner, and of course these years have been frustrating for all of us, but especially for him. He’s been used to winning every single season he competes in, and hasn’t won in three years. So as I said, it’s frustrating for him, it’s frustrating for all of us, but I’m sure he didn’t mean it as it came across.”
Those frustrations were finally put to bed on Sunday, thanks to a shrewd decision to return to the slick tyres a lap earlier than McLaren’s Norris, who had moved ahead in the showers. Hamilton’s first victory since Saudi Arabia two-and-a-half seasons ago saw him pridefully wave the Union Jack flag after an emotional radio call with his team.
“I can’t stop crying,’ said Hamilton after dabbing the tears away with a towel. “Since 2021 every day getting up to fight, to train to put my mind to the task and work as hard as I can with this amazing team.
“This is my last race here with this amazing team and I wanted to win it for them. I’m forever grateful to everyone in this team. All our incredible fans, I could see you lap-by-lap as I was coming round and there’s no greater feeling than to finish at the front here.”