F1 news: Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton heads to Silverstone with renewed belief as Jenson Button predicts British GP breakthrough
Lewis Hamilton arrives at Silverstone with growing confidence after a strong run of form in his early Ferrari career.
Former team-mate Jenson Button believes the seven-time world champion is well positioned to challenge for victory at his home Grand Prix.
With momentum building after recent podiums and a breakthrough win in Barcelona, Hamilton’s weekend carries real significance for his season, writes Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo.
Button backs Hamilton’s confidence heading into Silverstone
Jenson Button believes Hamilton’s mindset has been strengthened by his recent performances, even after a difficult Austrian Grand Prix.
“Lewis is definitely arriving with confidence,” Button said to Sky Sports News. “It didn’t go his way in the last race, but it wasn’t down to him. The package just wasn’t there.”
Button pointed to Hamilton’s consistency against Charles Leclerc as further evidence that the Ferrari driver is operating at a high level once again.
“Compare him to his team-mate Charles Leclerc, who’s very well regarded, and Lewis came out on top again.”
He also highlighted Hamilton’s ability to manage race conditions and extract performance when it matters most.
Silverstone conditions could suit Ferrari strength
Button believes the characteristics of Silverstone could play into both Hamilton’s strengths and Ferrari’s performance profile.
“He’ll be confident coming home to slightly lower temperatures,” Button explained. “The Ferrari is pretty good aero-wise. Silverstone is primarily a power circuit, but you still got to carry the speed through the corners down the straight.”
That combination, according to Button, gives Hamilton a realistic chance of fighting at the front again this weekend, particularly if Ferrari maintain their recent development progress.
Hamilton himself has also shown a strong ability this season to adapt his driving style to maximise tyre performance, something that has helped him convert difficult situations into strong results.
Button highlights Hamilton’s technical edge at high-speed circuits
Having raced alongside Hamilton at McLaren, Button believes one of his greatest strengths remains his adaptability with car setup.
“He’s very good at driving a car that the setup is on the nose,” Button said. “You need that around Silverstone, you need to be able to carry the speed through high-speed parts of the track, but also to be able to handle changes of direction.”
Button added that this ability to manage an unstable but fast car is often what separates the very best drivers from the rest of the field.
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George Russell momentum and Kimi Antonelli pressure intensify title fight
Beyond Hamilton’s prospects, the championship battle continues to build across the grid.
George Russell’s victory in Austria has reignited his own campaign, while Kimi Antonelli remains the driver to beat after a dominant start to the season.
Button praised Russell’s return to form, describing it as an important psychological boost.
“It’s good to see George take his first win for a long time. It’s been a long time coming and I think it’s mentally a big help for him.”
He also warned that Antonelli’s pace remains a constant threat, even when he is not winning.
“When you look at Kimi’s speed, just every race he is there,” Button said. “His speed is undeniable.”
With multiple drivers hitting form at the same time, Button believes Silverstone could deliver one of the most competitive weekends of the season.
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