Damon Hill gives Lewis Hamilton vs Lando Norris verdict ahead of British GP

Damon Hill has paid tribute to Lewis Hamilton ’s staying power - and said he remains ‘an undoubtedly brilliant’ driver.

The former F1 champ says his admiration for Mercedes’ No 1 has risen after the Stevenage ace battled to overcome mechanical issues with his car.

Silver Arrows’ boss Toto Wolff apologised to Hamilton for putting him in a ‘sh**-box’ after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix a fortnight ago.

And Hill, who won the title 26 years ago, believes the seven-time champion deserves credit for the way he has reacted to Red Bull and Ferrari out-pacing him.

Hill said: “The best chance for a victory with a British driver would probably come from Mercedes - but they still have their problems.

“I’m not discounting Lando and McLaren but you have to look to Mercedes if you want a realistic shot of a home victory. And I’ve been very impressed with Lewis this season.

“He’s been soldiering on - that’s probably the best way to describe it - but he’s still showing signs of his undoubted brilliance. It’s still there.

“As for George, he has been doing brilliantly as well. Mercedes must be more very pleased with the irdrivers - much happier with the drivers than the car - we all know what Toto called it the other day!”

Mercedes have also had to contend with erratic bouncing, nicknamed ‘porpoising’ - all adding to Hamilton’s frustrations.

And Hill, who forms part of Sky sport's F1 coverage, believes that even allowing for the summer break - during which time the Silver Arrows will be working overtime to correct their problems - that the eventual outcome will come down a straight fight between Red Bull and Ferrari.

Max Verstappen has built up a 46-point lead over team-mate Sergio Perez with Charles Leclerc just three points further behind