Hamilton will fight for Silverstone's British GP future

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Five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton says Formula 1 would lose much of its "essence" if the British Grand Prix at Silverstone disappeared from the sport's calendar.

The historical home of Grand Prix racing in the UK and Liberty Media have yet to agree terms on keeping F1 at Silverstone beyond this year, the last race for which the legendary circuit is contracted to host the event.

Fans have their fingers crossed that Liberty will perhaps spring a surprise this weekend and announce an extension of its deal with the BRDC, Silverstone's owners.

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In a feature for Sky F1 set to broadcast next weekend, Hamilton said he would do his part to help Silverstone secure its F1 future.

"[It's] the ultimate race circuit," said Hamilton.

"This is a Grand Prix we can never lose. Formula 1 loses this and it loses so much of its essence."

"It feels to me 'not while I'm racing. Not while I'm here, I'll fight for it.

"This has the biggest crowd of the whole year, this has the biggest attendance of the season, and there's no way I would allow that to happen. We have to fight for it."

A five-time winner of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Lewis Hamilton will be targeting a record sixth win next weekend.

"It has become the most anticipated event of the year for me and the one I enjoy the most," said the Mercedes star.

"The fans are really what make the weekend and the atmosphere what it is."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.