Lewis Hamilton in tears after winning first race in three years at British Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton was overcome with emotion after clinching the British Grand Prix title.

The Mercedes ace executed a brilliant drive from second on the grid to secure his ninth triumph at Silverstone. Amidst the challenges of a rain-soaked race, Hamilton's strategic prowess shone through, allowing him to outpace Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.

This marked Hamilton's first victory lap since the 2021 Saudi Grand Prix, following a trio of tough seasons that began with his contentious loss of the 2021 world championship to Verstappen. In a nail-biting finish, Hamilton managed to fend off Verstappen's aggressive push in the last three laps, as the Dutch sensation overtook Norris to snatch second place.

But Hamilton held firm, achieving a historic victory. Post-race, Toto Wolff and Pete Bonnington, his race engineer, were quick to offer their congratulations via team radio.

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The British legend was visibly moved, barely able to articulate his gratitude. Overwhelmed, Hamilton said: "Thank you so much guys. It means a lot to get this one. Big thanks to all the fans here, I love you guys. I love you Bono."

In a patriotic display, Hamilton brandished the Union Jack during his victory lap, receiving cheers from the home crowd. After exiting his vehicle, he shared a heartfelt embrace with his father Anthony.

Before ascending to the podium, he reunited with Bonnington, who accepted the constructors' trophy for Mercedes.

Following an affectionate embrace with his engineer, they made their way to the podium together, Hamilton donning the Union Jack like a cape. Having endured 945 days without a win, Hamilton later confessed that the overwhelming surge of emotions was too much to hold back.

"I can't stop crying! Since 2021, every day getting up, trying to fight, to train, to put my mind to the task and work as hard as I can with this amazing team and this is my last race here at the British Grand Prix with this team. So I wanted to win this so much for them because I love them, I appreciate them so much - all the hard work they've been putting in over these years," he said.

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"I'm forever grateful to everyone in this team, everyone in Mercedes and all our partners. And to all our incredible fans - I can see you lap by lap as I was coming round. There's just no greater feeling as to finish at the front here."

Hamilton's victory on Sunday saw him break numerous records, including becoming the first-ever driver to win a Grand Prix in 16 different seasons and his nine victories at Silverstone making him the most successful driver at one track.

This marked his final British Grand Prix with Mercedes, as he gears up to join Ferrari next season. Impressively, Sunday's win was his 12th consecutive British Grand Prix podium, bringing his total to 15, with rival Norris praising his performance.

"First of all, congrats to Lewis. That crucial decision at the end he just did a better job. Hats off to him and Mercedes so they deserve it. It was tough. It was enjoyable, it was fun battling these guys," Norris told F1 during his post-race interview.

"These tricky conditions are always on a knife edge and you're risking a lot. So many things good, but a few too many letdowns today and as a team I don't think we quite did the job we should have done, or good enough. But still lovely to be on the podium here at Silverstone."