Hamilton not surprised: "F1 couldn't live without Silverstone"

Lewis Hamilton wasn't surprised when Formula 1 announced a contract extension with Silverstone on Wednesday. Formula 1 bosses confirmed the circus would continue to visit Silverstone until at least the 2024 season.

Five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has won his home race at Silverstone five times during his career, including a four-win streak between 2014 and 2018. In the drivers' press conference, he confirmed he wasn't surprised to hear the news. He doesn't think the sport would survive without it.

"It was good to hear and it wasn't necessarily a surprise. I knew it was going to happen, it was clear Formula 1 couldn't exist without the home of motorsport," Hamilton told the media.

George Russell, who will race in his first Formula 1 event at Silverstone, echoed the words of his fellow countryman.

"Formula 1 couldn't live without Silverstone. There's something special about Silverstone and I'm not surprised it's continued," the Williams driver added.