Racing legend Sir Stirling Moss has backed Lewis Hamilton for success at this year’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Sir Stirling, the last Mercedes-Benz driver to win the race in 1955, says current Mercedes pilot Hamilton has a “very good chance” of winning in south Northamptonshire on June 30.
The two met at the circuit today, flanked by a replica of the current Mercedes F1 car, built in Brackley, and Sir Stirling’s iconic Mercedes-Benz 196, which he raced to victory in 1955.
The car made its debut in 1954, and also won races in the hands of five-time World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio. It is set to go under the hammer at a public auction, held by Bonhams, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 12.
Hamilton said: “Winning the British Grand Prix in 2008 was an incredible moment for me. I’ve been aiming to repeat it every year since and I’d love to achieve what Sir Stirling did and win my second race at Silverstone.
“We have a good car this year so I hope we can do it and it would be great to make the team proud at my home race. Silverstone is so special for the British drivers and the weekend is made by the amazing support from our home fans.
“The atmosphere, the flags flying around the circuit and just seeing everyone supporting us really does lift you. I hope we can put on a good show for them and we’ll be pushing as hard as possible to give them a great weekend.”
Sir Stirling said: “I think Lewis has a very good chance of winning the British Grand Prix this year. It’s not going to be easy and there are a lot of other good drivers out there trying to stop him, but he’s a very fast driver, exciting to watch, and the car he’s got is as good as any of them. He’s in with a good chance.
“Winning the British Grand Prix meant a lot to me. It really was a very special day. I remember it quite well; I’d caught up with Fangio and overtaken him in traffic; as we went round the last corner I put my foot flat on the floor and took the chequered flag. I finished literally half a car length in front.
“The atmosphere at the British Grand Prix will be fantastic. There’ll be some great racing at Silverstone; the public that come here always have a great time.”