British Grand Prix: Hamilton tasks fans over face masks

Lewis Hamilton has asked fans to wear face masks at the British Grand Prix ahead of Sunday race day to protect themselves and those around them.

The seven-time and current world champion worries the rate of infection could rise this weekend as Silverstone are set host the biggest crowd of the Covid era weloming 140,000 people on Sunday.

Hamilton claims those who have been double vaccinated could still be at risk and says face masks are a ‘small sacrifice’ to ‘stay healthy and keep those around you healthy.’

Nevertheless, organisers are certain the event will be safe, with those attending needing to show proof of a negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of arrival or being double-jabbed for at least two weeks.

In terms of the competition, the British Grand Prix provides Hamilton with the best opportunity to make up ground in the title fight.

He is currently trailing Max Verstappen by 32 points in the championship and has not won a race since Spain in May.

read alsoVerstappen takes pole in Austria as Hamilton struggles for pace

As a result, Red Bull have won all five grands prix since Barcelona taking a 44-point lead over Mercedes in the championship.

Hamilton will look to narrow that gap this weekend by getting off to a flying start in Saturday’s F1 Sprint a short 17-lap race. Should he finish well, he will in pole position on the grid for Sunday’s showdown.