"My whole family is coming this weekend so it's that one weekend where it's the most special because your closest support surround you. I've had some spectacular races here."

In the last race in Austria two weeks ago, Hamilton started fourth and lost time to replace the front wing of his Mercedes after 31 laps. He finished fifth.

"We're here to improve this weekend as a team," Hamilton said. "The last one was difficult for us. I think it will be close."

What is certain is that Hamilton will have more chances to win at Silverstone in the future. Organizers struck a new deal this week to continue the race on the central England circuit through 2024.

"It feels like a long way away. Who knows if I will still be here then?" said the 34-year-old Hamilton, who is under contract at Mercedes until 2020. "If I'm not, if I stop racing, then I won't be here in any other capacity."