Hamilton wants Button to win at Silverstone

(GETTY IMAGES)

Lewis Hamilton is rooting for Jenson Button to fly the flag at this weekend's British Grand Prix.

In an uncompetitive McLaren, Hamilton appreciates he has no chance of repeating his stunning triumph of last year when he trounced the opposition by 68 seconds at a wet, grey Silverstone.

The world champion knows he will be fortunate to even claim a point on Sunday as he has come to accept the car and all its faults.

Instead, and as far as Hamilton the patriot is concerned, the next best option is for Button to continue on his seemingly relentless march towards this season's crown and claim another victory.

"Last year was clearly incredible for me. I don't know how we won by a minute and eight seconds," reflected Hamilton.

"Every time I went past the grandstands I could see out of the corner of my eye the fans waving flags and cheering, even though it was soaking wet, raining non-stop.

"It was the most fulfilling race of my whole life, and the amount of support was very special.

"As for this weekend, I'm just going to make sure I enjoy it and embrace the fans because they were so supportive.

"Unfortunately, this year I've just not got the car. I've had to adjust from last year because it's a struggle just to get into the points.

"I'm still going to be gunning, pushing as hard as I can, all out, like I do every race, but I know I'll be mid-field somewhere, which is to be expected,

"So from my perspective it will be great if Jenson wins. I'm egging him on, and I guess I should put some money on him.

"It will be a proud moment to have a fellow Brit win, and I'll be able to understand exactly how he is feeling.

"His lifelong dream is to win the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and I'm sure it will be more special for him than his win at Monaco last month. I know it was for me."

Hamilton concedes being unable to savour that winning feeling this year has made life hard, although bearable by the fact he wears the tag of world champion.

A philosophical Hamilton knows he is simply on a downward slope of a rollercoaster ride nearly all Formula One drivers endure at some stage in their careers.

"I've been racing since I was eight years old, and racing is really the biggest part of my life," remarked Hamilton.

"So every day I'm preparing for these races and you turn up and you are not winning, it's hard.

"When you arrive at a circuit, even though you don't have a great car, you still believe you can win.

"You're always convinced in your mind that until the chequered flag something could still happen, that 16 guys in front of you might crash out.

"So you always have to keep going until you see that flag, and then when you get to the end and it's a little disappointing, you know you are not alone.

"I have a team of almost a thousand people behind me, who are all working as hard as each other.

"I know there will be ups and downs. Other drivers have had bad years, so now I'm looking forward to the next few good years.

"When you have a tough day, you feel it, but you know you will live to see another day and so you have to get up and fight."