Lewis Hamilton effect helps F1 race SMASH all-time attendance record

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 2024, British GP, Silverstone — Photo: © IMAGO

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Hamilton effect helps F1 race SMASH all-time attendance record

Lewis Hamilton finished ahead of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris at Silverstone

Originally written by Kevin McKenna. This version is a translation.

Friday 12 July 2024 03:00

A new record has been set at Silverstone following Lewis Hamilton's stunning victory at the iconic circuit last weekend.

Hamilton proved he is still one of the best drivers of all time, as the seven-time Formula 1 champion put on a peerless performance to claim his first victory since December 2021.

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In torrid conditions, the Brit delighted his adoring home fans by keeping reigning world champion Max Verstappen at bay on a track which has delivered so many highlights over a stellar career.

The 39-year-old will join Ferrari in 2025, and was visibly emotional post-race as he paid tribute to his team on what was his triumphant last appearance at Silverstone as a Mercedes driver.

Lewis Hamilton sealed his ninth victory at Silverstone on Sunday

It was his final appearance at the circuit for Mercedes before joining Ferrari

Records continue to tumble

The 2024 edition of the grand prix also matched the record-breaking figure of 480,000 attendees over the whole weekend.

The news will be welcomed by Silverstone managing director, Stuart Pringle, who was in the spotlight last month after suggesting a slump in ticket sales was partly down to Verstappen's emergence as the sport's dominant force - at the expense of Hamilton.

Verstappen was quick to quash those claims, while Hamilton hit out at organisers over increasing ticket prices amidst an ongoing cost-of-living crisis in the UK.

Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes Silverstone British Grand Prix