Hamilton is "proud to wear red" at his home race in Silverstone

Speaking ahead of the British Grand Prix, Ferrari's seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton stated that he is "proud to wear read" at his home race in Silverstone.

Following a strong qualifying performance, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton started from second and fourth on the grid at today’s Austrian Grand Prix.

The start of the race was aborted and delayed by 15 minutes, after Carlos Sainz was unable to leave the grid on the formation lap. The opening lap saw Kimi Antonelli crash into the back of Max Verstappen's Red Bull which forced the race direction to deploy the Safety Car.

Leclerc and Hamilton both started on medium tyres and went for a two-stop strategy, switching first to Hard and then back to Medium for the final stint.

Having lost second place to Oscar Piastri after the start, Leclerc delivered a measured performance to grab a podium finish after his third place at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Hamilton also had a relatively straightforward race, never really able to challenge his team-mate, but he was able to escape from Mercedes driver George Russell after their intense battle on the opening lap.

Asked how it feels to return to Silverstone for the first time wearing the Ferrari colours, Hamilton stated that he is "proud to wear red" at his home race.

"Silverstone has always been more than just a race track for me. I’ve had some of the most unforgettable highs with the crowd right there behind me, but coming here with Ferrari for the first time is something really special.

"I have so much history with this track, and for Ferrari to now be part of that story means a lot to me. I’m proud to wear red here, and I can’t wait to experience that incredible home crowd energy again.

Pressed on to reveal whether there is a particular corner or sector at Silverstone that stands out as his favourite, Hamilton picked out the quickest corners of the track.

"There are a few sections that really stand out, but Copse into Maggots and Becketts - that’s just something else. It’s so fast and, when you get it right, it feels like you’re flying.

"But what makes Silverstone so special for me is the atmosphere. There’s a reason I’ve stood on the podium so many times here, and that’s the love from the fans.

"From my first win in 2008, to my ninth last year, the crowd is always with me, and no matter where I am on the track, I can feel their energy from inside the cockpit.