HAMILTON: I FEAR FOR THE FANS’ HEALTH

LEWIS HAMILTON fears for fans’ health after Silverstone confirmed yesterday that the British Grand Prix will host the biggest crowd of the Covid era on July 18. Circuits bosses will welcome 140,000 people on race day alone, following Government approval after months of tense negotiations. And world champion Hamilton, who has won his home race a record seven times, said: ‘I cannot tell you how excited I will be to see the British crowd because it is the best crowd of the year. I have read that the vaccination programme is working and fewer people are in hospital, but it feels a bit premature. ‘I like to err on the side of caution and slowly build up rather than go full pelt and use British fans in a test pen.’ But organisers are certain the event will be safe, with those attending needing to show proof of a negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of arrival or being doublejabbed for at least two weeks. Hamilton (right), speaking ahead of this weekend’s Styrian Grand Prix, added: ‘People will go to Silverstone and I hope we learn something, and that everyone stays safe and keep their masks on. I would encourage everyone to continue to wash their hands and wear their masks in those big crowds.’

Back at Silverstone, managing director Stuart Pringle returned fire, saying: ‘I’m pleased Lewis is concerned for our fans, as we naturally are. ‘His success on track and the Silverstone experience are what bring the fans in. I can see looking at it as an F1 driver that you might think it strange we will be at capacity. But this is the closing chapter of a gradual progression as part of the Events Research Programme, by which crowds have increased as data-based evidence has permitted.’ Meanwhile, Hamilton says he has opened talks with Mercedes about a new contract and intimated he wants Valtteri Bottas to remain as his team-mate, rather than make way for George Russell, 23. ‘I don’t necessarily see why anything should change,’ he said.