“I’m Blown Away” – Lewis Hamilton Reacts to News of Silverstone Renaming Pit Straight in His Honour

It is official, the iconic pit straight of the Silverstone Circuit will henceforth be known as the ‘Hamilton Straight.’ Naturally, Lewis Hamilton was at a loss for words when he formally received the news from David Coulthard himself, the president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC).

BRDC, the entity that owns Silverstone, came to this decision in order to recognize Hamilton and his achievements. It now becomes the only part of the famed circuit to be named after an F1 driver.

Coulthard informed Hamilton of the development after the qualifying session in Abu Dhabi. Safe to say, no one would say that this honor is undeserved for a driver of Hamilton’s stature.

Silverstone Circuit is something so close to my heart, says Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton stated, “Wow, that is insane.

“I don’t even know what to say. I remember coming to Silverstone, watching Silverstone, watching Nigel. Seeing that incredible crowd, I’ve experienced it year on year. It’s something so close to my heart.

“Such a proud moment and yeah, I’m blown away. No driver’s had that.”

The decision of the BRDC not only hinged on Hamilton’s racing achievements. It also factored in the social movements and the off-track personality icon that he has become over the years.

“So, very, very grateful, very humble. Big thank you to everyone for supporting me and I hope that I can continue to make the BRDC, to make the Brits proud. For the time at least that I’m here racing and hopefully beyond,” concluded Hamilton.

Hamilton was not at his best in Abu Dhabi GP qualifying but will want to close the season with a win

Following his recovery, Hamilton was straight back in the Mercedes W11 to attempt to seal one last win in 2020. His qualifying was only bettered by Bottas and Verstappen, and he will now start the race in P3.

That said, Hamilton, through the years, has found himself in such situations. The ability to fight back and reclaim the top spot is something that has made him the champion he is today.

So, with that in mind, it would certainly interest the audience to see how the 35-year-old approaches this race. Make no mistake, a win in the 2020 Abu Dhabi GP would be nothing short of yet another classic Hamilton performance.