Hamilton: I will help save British GP

Speaking at the press conference ahead of the final race to be held at Silverstone, Hamilton said he would call on as much support as possible to save the race, which moves to Donington next year, and called upon others in a position of influence to do the same.

"We will work as hard as we can, alongside the BRDC and as British drivers I think we can both (myself and Jenson Button), in our positions, not as role models but with our image, we can call up people we want to, whoever we want really, I think," he said. "If we want to call up the Prime Minister I'm sure we could easily!

"But no, I think we just want to show our support and show the importance of it.

"Perhaps people look at the British Grand Prix and perhaps don't realise what it would be like without it. I think we should all step back and realise what motor sport would be like without it and understand that and then take action.

"I think we all need to pull together and support it. I think we need support from the government, we need support from other backers, wherever we can get it and as long as we have a British Grand Prix in Formula 1 it will always remain a great sport to be a part of."

Hamilton added that he would miss racing at Silverstone, where he scored an emotional home victory in the rain last season.

"It is a fantastic circuit and for us when we were growing up seeing the history of the circuit and the winners that have been here and the world champions in the past," he said. "It is great to come here and try to in some ways emulate them and try to do same thing they did and bring the win back home for the Brits.

"The fans are incredible here compared to any circuit I feel through the year. This is the one place that has the best vibe and has the most people standing there.

"It could be thunderstorms, it could be any type of weather but they will still be standing up holding their umbrellas or whatever it is, especially last year.

"They never seem to give up with their support and it is as important to them as it is to us drivers and all the teams, so I will be pushing as hard as I can with my position to try and keep the British Grand Prix wherever it is. As long as we have a British Grand Prix it is the most important thing."