Lewis Hamilton claims his record third British Grand Prix victory in a row was so easy he turned down his engine for the last 15 laps
LEWIS HAMILTON said his record win at Silverstone was so easy he turned DOWN his engine for the last 15 laps.
The Brit world champ, 31, took his foot off the gas to soak up the passion of 139,000 die-hard home fans.
And he even crowd-surfed after becoming the first driver to win three British Grands Prix at the track in a row.
Hamilton said: “I was just taking it easy. I had turned down my engine on the last ten or 15 laps. I was never under threat from the guys behind.
“The car was a dream to drive and I felt under control in the wet conditions.
“I had no problems really — it was pretty awesome.
“I could see the crowd standing up and cheering in excitement and I felt exactly what they felt.
“You just want to jump up — but you’re obviously strapped into the beast still.
“My dad has all my trophies yet there is definitely space for this one at home.
“I don’t know if you can be as happy as me — and I’m glad the good English weather came out!
“That’s what I love about this race and why the British Grand Prix is the best one we have.”
Hamilton’s day got even better when title rival and Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg was handed a ten-second penalty.
It meant the German was knocked down from second to third behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen — though Mercedes will appeal.
Hamilton is now the red-hot favourite to go on and win his fourth drivers’ championship after cutting Rosberg’s lead from 43 points to just one — thanks to a masterclass in the Silverstone rain.Rosberg said: “I don’t feel pressure.
“I’m feeling great and the battle is on.”
Merc boss Toto Wolff added: “Lewis walked on water.
“When he is driving like this, he is just unstoppable.”
Hamilton drew level with Brit legend Nigel Mansell on four British GP wins.
The champ was later spotted out on the town in London with new flame Rita Ora and celeb pal Anthony Joshua as he celebrated the big win.