Niki Lauda has told Lewis Hamilton fans to expect their hero to come out fighting at next month’s British Grand Prix.
Hamilton heads into his home race at Silverstone on July 6 29 points adrift of Mercedes rival Nico Rosberg in their battle for the Formula One title.
Although the 29-year-old performed brilliantly in atoning for his errors in qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix, moving up from ninth to second, Hamilton could only finish runner-up to Rosberg.
As far as three-times champion and Mercedes non-executive chairman Lauda is concerned, the scene is now set for Hamilton to conjure up a storming performance on home soil and thrust himself firmly back into the championship fight.
“I’ve told him to go to Silverstone and don’t worry. I have no doubt he will fight back there,” said the Austrian following a successful return for his own home race after an 11-year absence.
“It’s his home grand prix, and with the crowd behind him that will lift his confidence. It’s a race that comes at the perfect time for him.
“Unfortunately it is now a big gap (to Rosberg), no question, because Lewis’ previous race in Montreal was a disaster for him (due to a retirement).
“But he will keep on fighting, don’t worry. He will now be even more motivated going to Silverstone after this result and with the points difference.
“I’m really looking forward to a good race at Silverstone between the two, and that nobody else comes in between, and I am sure Lewis will be at the highest level he can find.”
Lauda has also dismissed suggestions Hamilton is struggling mentally after seeing a three-point lead heading into the Monaco Grand Prix turn into such a considerable deficit after a further three races.
“He’s not in any way disturbed, so I’ve no need to coach him at all,” said Lauda when it was suggested to him he should offer the Briton his guidance.
“I’ve known him for a long time and he’s absolutely perfect in his head, there is nothing wrong. He’s highly motivated.
“Even with his qualifying mistake, he said it was his fault and he made up for it right away in the race, so there is no worry at all.”