British F1 Grand Prix 2016: Start Time, Drivers, TV Schedule and More
Lewis Hamilton will attempt to maintain his charge to the top of the driver standings once again when he races in the Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday.
Nico Rosberg will again provide the main threat to Hamilton's supremacy, and the leader of the title race must be on his best behaviour after colliding with the world champion in their most recent battle in Austria.
The home crowd will be cheering for the F1 icon as they scream for British success, but Rosberg has the motivation to keep Hamilton off the winner's rostrum.
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Here is how you can follow the action:
Date: Sunday, July 10
Race Time: 1 p.m. BST/8 a.m. ET
TV: Sky Sports F1 and HD, Channel 4 and HD, NBC
Live Stream: Sky Go, ALL 4, NBC Sports Live Extra
For a look at the full field of drivers, visit Formula One's official website.
Preview
The pendulum has swung back and forth between Mercedes' two drivers for the whole season, but Hamilton has chased down his team-mate's advantage with style.
Only nine points behind the feisty German, the world champion is producing his best just at the right moment in terms of the world championship.
Hamilton was booed by Formula One fans in Austria after he slid down the outside of Rosberg in an audacious move, prompting the German to run him off the track, but British fans will give their hero a different kind of welcome compared to his Silver Arrows team-mate.
Paul Weaver of the Guardian wrote that Hamilton is ready to move through the gears and give a powerful performance at Silverstone. Weaver quoted Hamilton eulogising about his home race:
"I remember being here when I wasn’t even in Formula One and dreaming of driving Formula One, so it’s crazy to think I’ve had those wins here and I hope I can continue to raise the flag proudly.
Honestly, I draw a lot of energy from the fans. When I come to Silverstone the energy is in abundance. It’s amazing to absorb that people have saved up their money to come here and put all their energy towards getting you across the finish line first. It’s pretty much impossible to describe how amazing that feels.
"
The reigning champion looked sluggish in the early part of the season as he tried to tune up his car to battle Rosberg. However, the German had the clear advantage and appeared more motivated as Hamilton fumbled.
But the Brit has shown his world-class talent once again, and it is clear Rosberg has been spooked by Hamilton's speed and confidence.
Engine problems saw Hamilton down the grid in Russia and China, but Rosberg has not been able to sustain a cushion at the top.
However, the engine rebuild could cost the world champion down the home straight if he is penalised for using additional parts, as suggested by Andrew Benson of BBC Sport.
Despite a brilliant field of versatile talent, events in Austria will force eyes upon the Mercedes contingent.
Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen of Red Bull both appeared rapid in practice, but Hamilton looked a cut above, as Rosberg searched for pace.
Rosberg needs to win in England, if only for psychological reasons. There will be a huge fanfare if Hamilton wins yet another British Grand Prix, and the introspection caused by defeat could damage the German as the season continues.
It already feels that Hamilton has Rosberg's number when it comes to pace, but if he loses track position on the grid because of reliability issues, the German can wrestle away the world championship prize as it slips through the Brit's fingers.
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