Formula One: Hamilton Rises Above Local Critics

SILVERSTONE, United Kingdom, , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Jul, 2017 ) - Lewis Hamilton arrived at his home race Thursday to face a barrage of questions about his absence from Wednesday's F1 Live event in London - and his personal preparations for this weekend's British Grand Prix.

His non-attendance at the promotional event in the capital was the most topical subject as he and championship leader Sebastian Vettel reconvened at the Silverstone circuit for the 10th round of this year's title race.

"I've tried to prepare the best that I can by being very relaxed over the past few days," said Hamilton, who slipped 20 points adrift of the four-time champion at last weekend's Austrian Grand Prix where he started eighth on the grid, thanks to a five-place penalty for an unscheduled gearbox change on his Mercedes car.

"I'm excited for the weekend as always. The championship is the most important thing so coming to the home of motorsport and such an intense weekend, as every year, it is a 'must win' for a British driver so I've tried to prepare the best I could." Hamilton, seeking a fourth consecutive home win and a fifth overall, said he had spent two days away on holiday in Greece to escape from the pressures of Formula One between the two races.

He said he had not followed events in London.