Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes star gives cause for optimism ahead of British Grand Prix weekend
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Whether it be fighting Formula 1’s battle against discrimination for the umpteenth time or warding off prods about the jewels on his body, the ever-eccentric life and times of Lewis Hamilton have been particularly chaotic and intense in British Grand Prix week. While one issue in the form of the jewellery row dissipated on Friday – with the Mercedes man backing down and removing his nose stud – another video emerged of Nelson Piquet using a racial slur and also homophobic language to describe Hamilton last year, on top of the widely-condemned clip which resurfaced on Tuesday. Hamilton, who was disconsolate after second practice two weeks ago in Montreal, was satisfied with his first day of running here despite complaining of bouncing in high speeds on team radio. open image in gallery Verstappen drives ahead of Hamilton in second practice on Friday Signs of progress in Canada – where Hamilton recorded only his second podium of the season – lead nicely into Silverstone, just eight miles from Mercedes’ HQ in Brackley.