Hamilton Mania

Silverstone hasn’t seen scenes like Sunday since the days of Mansell Mania.

But much like at Wimbledon, where a lot of fans first loves are Tim Henman, his successor has far surpassed his achievements.

On the same day that Andy Murray claimed his second Wimbledon title, putting Tim Henman’s modest achievements into irrelevance, Lewis Hamilton claimed his fourth British Grand Prix victory equalling Nigel Mansell’s record on home soil.

Mansell was unanimously loved by the British supporters, having success at both Silverstone and Brands Hatch.

Mansell claimed 31 Grand Prix wins and the 1992 Formula One World Championship.

Hamilton has surpassed those records, standing on the top step of the podium for a 47th time and could well be enroute to winning a fourth Formula One World Championship.

But he has never fully won over the crowd, his off track personality splits opinion, but on track, Hamilton’s style and success has seen him become hugely popular amongst those in the grandstands with the scenes at Silverstone on Sunday unlike others seen for many years, anywhere.

‘ever since 2007 I?ve felt this incredible energy from these fans here, the best fans in the world, without a doubt, and the best crowd we have anywhere. I really feel like I?ve grown with them over the years and obviously, naturally, when you have success that speeds up the bond, that connection you have, but, yeah, they really do make a huge difference. Hamilton told formula1.com.

‘Every time? when it was wet, every time I made it through certain corners I could see in the corner of my eye the fans right there with me. And obviously the last few laps I could see them, every time, every year, and every time I came through Brooklands, Turn 7, I can see them up shouting and that just spurred me on all the way. So a huge thank you to them. I?m very honoured and it?s a very humbling experience to be here in this sport, particularly in a time of difficulty in the world, and to see so much love out there. I think when you see? there are people out there from all walks, from all different places, poor, wealthy, going through difficult times, and on this day we come together and I think that?s as beautiful thing and I hope people see this on TV and I hope they tell their friends and they feel that to.

On equalling Nigel Mansell’s record, Hamilton said: ‘I just saw Nigel in the corridor there and he said ?welcome to the club?. It?s just crazy to think that I?m up there with them. I know whilst I?m here ? and I?ve been here for a while ? I should just be used it or it shouldn?t be so surreal ? but it just is. I think it?s because it?s that special and I?m incredibly proud.