Hamilton is prepared for a serious fight during 2019 British Grand Prix
Last time out in Austria, the two Mercedes cars tripped up. For the first time in the 2019 Formula 1 season, Mercedes didn't win the race and left Red Bull to fight Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton finished in P5 as his Silver Arrow experienced cooling issues in the European heatwave. While the four-time world champion isn't expecting similar issues to hamper his car at Silverstone, he believes Red Bull and Ferrari have both stepped up.
"I wouldn't say I have concerns [going into the British Grand Prix], but I think we're fully aware that Ferrari and Red Bull have stepped forward, it would have been closer [in Austria], if we didn't have issues," Hamilton told the media at Silverstone.
"I expect this weekend that it will be closer, Ferrari were quick here last weekend and Red Bull with their new engine will be strong."
Hamilton will be bidding for his sixth win at the British Grand Prix this weekend. That number will take him level with Jim Clark. While the Mercedes driver isn't one for records, he admits it's a privilege for himself to be in such a position.
"It's a privilege to be here. The British Grand Prix is so special because of the magnitude of it. There's excitement, pressures and adrenaline, my whole family is coming this weekend which makes it special because you've got your closest support surrounding you," Hamilton added.