Hamilton, armed with significant Mercedes upgrades for his home race, finished second in both opening practice sessions - a marked improvement from recent races and indeed the whole of Formula 1 2022.

The start to the weekend has added substance to Toto Wolff's insistence that Hamilton can claim his first win of the season at the home of British motorsport - and Hamilton was noticeably upbeat after practice.

It feels like a small step forwards," Hamilton, a tenth off Carlos Sainz in a dry Practice Two, said. "But we've still got work to do. We've got to keep working."

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He added: "Our long run pace isn't as good as the other guys, but it's not miles off, so we've definitely made an improvement. I'm sure tonight we can work and improve the car a little more."

Mercedes upgrades include a newly-designed floor for downforce and stability, and Sky Sports F1's Martin Brundle and Jenson Button praised the W13 through the famous high-speed sections.

Hamilton said he was still "fighting the car a little bit" but couldn't hide his delight at returning to Silverstone, where he has won eight times before.

"This is the best track there is," said Hamilton. "Maggots and Becketts are still pretty mega and Stowe, those are my favourite corners. It is still hair-raising and just epic to drive."

Hamilton added on the fans: "They give me hope. Already, yesterday, at the grandstand, was kind of mind-blowing - but just seeing them around the track today, so appreciative of all the support.

"Such a big turnout, so thanks to everyone for coming and we're going to work as hard as we can to give them a good result."

Sky Sports F1's live British GP schedule

Saturday, July 2
9.50am: F3 Sprint Race
11.45am: British GP Practice Three Build-up (session starts 12pm)
1.10pm: W Series Race
2.10pm: British GP Qualifying Build-up
3pm: British GP Qualifying
4.55pm: F2 Sprint Race
6pm: Ted's Qualifying Notebook

Sunday, July 3
8.30am: F3 Feature Race
10am: F2 Feature Race
1.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: British GP Build-up
3pm: THE 2022 BRITISH GRAND PRIX
5pm: British GP reaction: Chequered Flag
6pm: Ted's Notebook

F1 2022 heads to Silverstone for the big event of the motorsport summer. Join Sky Sports F1 for extensive coverage across the British GP weekend - the race starts at 3pm on Sunday, July 3.