Niki Lauda has told Lewis Hamilton fans to expect their man to come out fighting at next month’s British Grand Prix.

Hamilton heads into his home race at Silverstone next month 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.”