Rosberg beats Hamilton in 1st practice at British GP

But there is the small task to defeating his team-mate Nico Rosberg first of all.

When he was asked how much lap time was to come on Saturday, Hamilton replied: “Hopefully there’s a lot, because if not then we’re in trouble!”

“As the vehicle hasn’t suffered any kind of accident damage this in my opinion is a breach of Article 27.4 of the 2015 Formula One Sporting Regulations and I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration”. “We’ve got plenty of work ahead this evening to get things spot on for the drivers ahead of what looks like being a close battle this weekend”.

World champion Hamilton was not ranked among the sport’s most popular drivers in a global survey conducted in 194 countries and 15 different languages.

Lewis Hamilton on what appeared to be a tough day for the world champion.

“It’s been an okay day”, the world champion said.

“I was just determined not to let (the breakup) get in the way of what I’m here to do, which is win races and championships”.

“This is who I am, take it or leave it”, said Hamilton. Forgive me. When a guy dominates Formula One the way Hamilton does, you tend to overreach for drama where there might be none.

“I don’t know what he did on his lap, so it’s not representative”, the German said.

“The last couple of races I have had some ups and downs and last time the start made a huge difference”, Hamilton, who will be supported by a record 140,000 crowd on Sunday, added.

Mercedes were however, later referred to the race stewards following their recovery of Rosberg’s vehicle in the opening practice session. “So far it feels really good – but I don’t want to jinx it!”

“So we have to be careful with that”.

Following practice for the British Grand Prix on Friday, Hamilton said that he felt more comfortable after making the switch back to his old clutch setup. “It’s real and it’s what you have to show for all your efforts, so I’m very grateful to receive it”.

Hamilton said he was also conscious of being a role model to others, and had to behave accordingly.

“I’m only 30. My 20s went by really quick and I’m trying to make sure I do as much as I can within my limits”.

Mansell fondly recalls his memories playing five-a-side football and cricket matches with British fans while he was camped out in tents or caravans at Silverstone preparing for the weekend’s race.

Toto Wolff, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: “That was a pretty tricky couple of sessions today: although the basic performance looked good on the short runs and the long runs, the vehicle was a bit of a handful for Nico and Lewis”.