Only victory will suffice for Hamilton at Silverstone

The world champion finished second to Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg at the Red Bull Ring, as the German reduced the gap in the standings to just 10 points with his third win in four races.

But Hamilton, the winner of the Silverstone race last year, says he is determined to avoid a repeat of the Austria defeat as he wants to stand on the top step of the podium in his home event.

"I don't feel like I ever really reached my peak in Austria," said Hamilton in a team preview. "It wasn't the smoothest of weekends for me - so to come away with P2 wasn't a disaster in the circumstances.

"Silverstone, though... that's different.

"I can't describe the feeling I had last year - lifting that trophy again in front of the sea of fans on pit straight after so many years and after a tough start to the weekend too.

"It's something that will always stay with me and nothing less than the same again will do. I'm lucky enough to have fans all around the world - but winning in front of your home crowd is something else.

"We have a fantastic car this year - even better than in 2014 - and it should suit this track, so I'll be going all out to make the most of it."

Rosberg acknowledges Hamilton will be hard to beat at home, but the German says he will try to push the Briton to the limit.

"My week in Austria could not have come together much better," said Rosberg. "Apart from the mistake in qualy, I felt right on top of things from the start and it was great to get another win.

"With the extra day in the car on Wednesday also, helping the team prepare for Silverstone, I feel ready to go full attack at a circuit I really enjoy. It should suit our car nicely with the focus on downforce and we learned some useful things during the test, so I'm sure we'll be strong once again.

"The crowds are really incredible at this race and it's always a great atmosphere. Of course, I know they have their favourite! But hopefully we can have a good fight and keep the fans on their feet."