Can history be made at one of Formula 1’s most iconic venues—perhaps the most historic of them all? Silverstone, the circuit that hosted the very first Formula 1 World Championship race back in 1950, could once again become the stage for a remarkable milestone. This time, the spotlight is firmly on Lewis Hamilton, who has the chance to achieve something no driver has ever accomplished before.
Lewis Hamilton chasing an unprecedented record
Lewis Hamilton has already claimed victory at Silverstone an incredible nine times. The British Grand Prix has provided the backdrop for some of the greatest moments of his career and, more broadly, some of the most memorable chapters in Formula 1 history.
This weekend, however, he has the opportunity to raise the bar even higher by becoming the first driver ever to record 10 victories at the same Grand Prix.
It would be a truly unique achievement and one that could stand as one of Formula 1’s most difficult records to break. At present, Lewis Hamilton is the only driver with a realistic chance of reaching such a landmark.
Here is a reminder of all nine of his victories at Silverstone:
- 2008 (McLaren)
- 2014 (Mercedes)
- 2015 (Mercedes)
- 2016 (Mercedes)
- 2017 (Mercedes)
- 2019 (Mercedes)
- 2020 (Mercedes)
- 2021 (Mercedes)
- 2024 (Mercedes)
Ferrari hopes the Hamilton factor can spark a comeback
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion arrives at Silverstone following a disappointing Austrian Grand Prix, although the result was hardly down to his own performance. Instead, Ferrari’s SF-26 struggled to deliver the pace required after Lewis Hamilton’s victory in Barcelona, proving poorly suited to the unique demands of the Spielberg circuit.
Silverstone, however, could tell a very different story. Although every circuit has its own characteristics, the British track shares far more similarities with Barcelona than with the Red Bull Ring, making it a potentially much better fit for Ferrari’s current package.
From a technical perspective, Silverstone’s layout could play to the strengths of the SF-26. Ferrari’s 2026 challenger has already demonstrated that it possesses a highly effective chassis through high-speed corners and is capable of fighting for victories whenever the conditions suit its characteristics.
Then there is the so-called “Hamilton factor.” Few drivers know a circuit as intimately as Lewis Hamilton knows Silverstone. It is the venue where he has produced some of the most unforgettable performances of his career, from spectacular wet-weather victories to his famous 2020 triumph, when he crossed the finish line on virtually three wheels after suffering a front-left tyre puncture on the final lap.
It is no exaggeration to describe Silverstone as Lewis Hamilton’s home territory. Ferrari will undoubtedly be hoping that his extraordinary record and confidence at the circuit can help the team return to the front immediately.
At the same time, the Scuderia will also expect a strong response from Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque has repeatedly shown that he can be extremely competitive around Silverstone and will be eager to bounce back after recent frustrations.
Ferrari therefore arrives in Great Britain determined to reverse the disappointing trend that emerged in Spielberg. To achieve that objective, the team is placing its faith in its newest star, hoping Lewis Hamilton can once again transform Silverstone into the setting for another unforgettable chapter in Formula 1 history.
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