Lewis Hamilton makes Abu Dhabi confession as Brit explains tears after Silverstone win

Lewis Hamilton has confessed to being unable to stop the tears after clawing his way back from what he described as the "bottom of the barrel" to clinch a sensational win at Sunday's British Grand Prix, ending a staggering 945-day wait without a win.

The seven-time Formula One champion claimed his ninth victory at this Grand Prix, navigating through a gripping dry-wet-dry race that saw 164,000 fans gather at Silverstone.

In a remarkable turn of events, this was the 39-year-old's first F1 win since his last triumph in Saudi Arabia on December 5, 2021.

The subsequent loss in Abu Dhabi to Max Verstappen, which saw him miss out on an unprecedented eighth world title, was mired in controversy and dubbed one of the sport's most disputed races.

Hamilton has opened up about the mental health struggles he faced following the dramatic loss of the 2021 championship and his self-doubt over returning to the top of the podium.

Upon exiting his Mercedes, an emotional Hamilton shared a prolonged embrace with his father Anthony, the man who set him on the path to stardom. After nearly 20 seconds, the tearful champion removed his helmet and balaclava to wipe away his tears.

He then vaulted over a barrier to bask in the adoration of the record-breaking crowd, proudly wrapped in a Union Jack.

"I am still crying," Hamilton revealed shortly after the race. "There is no greater feeling than to finish at the front here. It is so tough for everyone. 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 definitely been days since 2021 where I didn't feel I was good enough or I would get back to where I am today but I have had great people around me and supporting me."

Hamilton, who is set to make a sensational switch from Mercedes to Ferrari next season, was visibly moved as 'God Save The King' echoed through Silverstone after he ascended the podium.

He added: "It is the adversity that we have gone through as a team, and the adversity that I have personally experienced. Those challenges to get out of bed every day and give it my best shot.

"There are so many times where you feel like you give it your best shot and it is just not good enough. We live in a time where mental health is such as serious issue and I am not going to lie, I have experienced that."

Recounting his journey since the controversial end to the 2021 season in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton confessed: "When I came back in 2022, I honestly thought I was over it (Abu Dhabi 2021).

"And I wasn't and it has taken a long time to heal that feeling and that is only natural for anyone that has had an experience like that.

"This is the longest stint that I have not had a win 945 days and the emotion that has accumulated over that time, could make this one of the most special victories for me, if not the most special one. I have never cried from a win before, it just came out of me."

Hamilton showcased his enduring class to clinch his 104th career win, with Red Bull's Verstappen snatching second place from Lando Norris in the McLaren.

"Get in there, Lewis," came the ecstatic shout from Hamilton's race engineer, Peter Bonnington, after his victory was confirmed. "You are the man! You are the man! I have been waiting for this."

An emotional Hamilton responded, his voice breaking: "Thank you so much, guys. It means a lot to get this one. I love you guys."

Tears streaming down his face in the cockpit, Hamilton added: "I love you, Bono."

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff chimed in on the radio, stating: "We never give up and what a sign-off for our last race at the British Grand Prix. We couldn't wish for anything better."

Despite facing challenges throughout the race, Verstappen succeeded in extending his championship lead over Norris to 84 points.