LEWIS HAMILTON is banking on 140,000 fans roaring him on in Sunday’s British GP to stop Max Verstappen’s romp to the F1 title.
Hamilton is a whopping 32 points behind the Dutchman in the championship and set to lose his crown.
Merc boss Toto Wolff told this week how Hamilton had been putting in the hours at the team’s HQ to help try and overturn the deficit.
And now Hamilton, 36, hopes the fans can play their part in making up ground on the Red Bull racer.
When quizzed by about his seven wins here and having home advantage, Hamilton said: “With all those elements I hope and pray that is the case.
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“Another element is the sprint race, the new format.
“Of course, it is easy for any of us to get it wrong but there are also opportunities there, which is exciting.
“And the element with the fans. There is always an energy and a buzz that the fans bring and without doubt when it is your home grand prix, there is always more heat behind you.
“So I am hoping that all those factors come together and close that gap those guys had managed to grow out and enable us to really take it to them this weekend.”
Hamilton recently extended his contract with Mercedes for another two years despite having a slower car this season.
And retired F1 David Coulthard reckons the Brit’s battle with Verstappen, 23, has helped lengthen his career.
Coulthard said: “I think that he is truly relishing the challenge.
“Of course he wants a title and wants to win, who doesn’t? But he’s done so much winning.
“I think the fact he has signed up for another two years, he’s just so motivated by the challenge.
“I truly believe Verstappen and Red Bull this year have extended his career.”
F1’s illustrious paddock club has been forced to reshuffle plans for the British GP after around ten staff were forced into isolation.
However, F1 insist they will draft in new recruits so they can honour guests, who have paid around £4,000 for a ticket.
