Lewis Hamilton has called the British Grand Prix "the most important race" on the Formula 1 calendar amid concerns over the future of the event, which could fall off the calendar after the 2019 race.
The owners of the circuit, the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), have come under increasing pressure to activate a break clause in their current deal which runs until 2026, because of the rising cost of hosting the event.
The circuit currently pays around £18-20 million annually, but that rises substantially each season and by 2026 is expected to hit £26m.
A clause in the deal does however allow the circuit to pull out after 2019, but must be activated before July 15 this year – giving the BRDC just two weeks to make a final decision.
Fearing the race could be dropped, local favourite and three-time champion Hamilton has come out in support of the race, insisting the British GP is the heart of motorsport and therefore deserves its place on the calendar.
"It’s the most important race of the year," Hamilton, who has won the British Grand Prix on four occasions, told BT Sport.
"In terms of what the points represent it’s the same as every race, but just being in the beautiful countryside, and the support you get from the British fans, it’s an amazing event that people love to come to.
"It’s that important part of the British racing heritage and it’s the place where we really get to showcase it. The UK is the home of motorsport and we’ve got such great and incredible heritage."
Liberty Media has said it won't budge on the price it charges the BRDC, which was agreed under Bernie Ecclestone, but has said it would work with the circuit to find other sources of income besides ticket sales.
However it is known that F1 CEO Chase Carey is keen to see more street circuits and has a desire to see a race on the streets of London.
