McLaren and Hamilton more motivated than ever for Silverstone

Although its position in the championship is not dramatic, trailing by 39 points behind Red Bull, it is natural to expect McLaren to respond after a disastrous European Grand Prix, which saw Lotus closing in to 11 points and Ferrari to 15.

Lewis Hamilton adopts a philosophical stance when reflecting on his race in Valencia, where he experienced yet another problem in the pits – this time with a quick-lift jack – before retiring in the penultimate lap following a collision with Pastor Maldonado: “Sometimes, you have to accept that things don’t go your way in motorsport,” explains the Stevenage native. “Obviously, it was frustrating to miss out so close to the finish, but that’s racing: you put it behind you and focus on the next race – which, luckily for me, is my home circuit at Silverstone. It doesn’t really change my racing style because I race to win.”

On Jenson Button’s side, an anonymous 8th in this second race in Spain, he prefers to focus only on the positive: “We have made progress in many areas, and even if I couldn’t translate that into results in Valencia – mainly because I got boxed in at the start, then was unlucky with the Safety Car – our strategy was good and the car improved throughout the race.”

Martin Whitmarsh, the team director, for his part takes a more general point of view: « So far, the races have been very difficult to read, and even though this may be frustrating for some, it also creates opportunities. It has also produced some incredibly exciting races and challenged many preconceived notions – as we saw last time in Valencia, a circuit where the most basic wisdom tells you there are very few overtaking areas. »

The focus is now on Silverstone, its layout revised for 2010 and its new pit lane since 2011. “Last year, we had to get used to starting at a different part of the track, which is very strange when you’ve spent your entire career taking Copse as the first corner!” confides Jenson Button. Formula 1 is a story of evolution and looking to the future, and Silverstone has demonstrated its adaptability over the years. The circuit is part of the fabric of F1 and remains one of the greatest racetracks in the world.

The whole team is unanimous about the English fans: « The Santander British Grand Prix is special because I get a massive boost from all the fans. For me, winning at Silverstone is on the same level as winning in Monaco. Standing on the top step of the podium in 2008 is one of the best moments of my career » says Lewis Hamilton. And his teammate adds: « It has been an incredibly unpredictable season, but at least it’s easier to predict that at Silverstone, […] the British drivers will be carried by the energy that the fans will bring them. I always enjoy racing at home because the atmosphere is unmatched, and even though the race itself hasn’t always been kind to me, I come here every year knowing I can count on the support of thousands of fans. »

This British patriotism is all the more heightened because this Grand Prix opens a particularly sporty summer across the Channel, marked by the London Olympic Games, in which Lewis Hamilton will participate in his own way by being one of the torchbearers of the Olympic flame route: « It’s an incredible summer of sport for Great Britain and I want to play my small part by bringing some joy. I will do everything I can to secure a victory for my country on my home turf. » states the McLaren driver, branded with the number 4.

Martin Whitmarsh predicts a close race where the tires will once again play the leading role: « We will have to keep an open mind from the first minute of our arrival until the checkered flag is deployed. The team that best manages the performance gap of the tires will be in the best position for victory, and to do this, you must seize all opportunities to collect data and learn from it quickly and efficiently. Today, Grand Prix races are no longer sprints that are won or lost on the first lap. »

He also has a final word for his compatriots: Even if it means hard work for us and our rivals, it is excellent news for the fans in the stands and those watching from home. It will bring them excitement from start to finish, and that’s what Formula 1 must continue to offer. It’s our home race and we approach it, as always, determined to win. I sincerely expect the Santander British Grand Prix to be an unmissable spectacle.