Lewis Hamilton has asked British fans to stop booing Max Verstappen at Silverstone this weekend.

The two drivers were famously locked in one of the most enthralling, gripping and dramatic title races the sport has ever seen last year, and it was Verstappen who eventually took the title in now-infamous circumstances in Abu Dhabi.

That, of course, was none of his fault but, naturally, such a result after such a titanic campaign can sometimes create a bit of ill-feeling in some, and that has come to materialise this weekend.

Of course, the majority have not been booing and Silverstone typically boasts one of the best crowds of the year but, it must be said, there has been audible boos at times for the Dutchman over the weekend.

Hamilton, of course, has had to deal with similar experiences in the past and so knows better than most what it's like, with him calling for those that have been jeering Max to bring it to a halt, and instead get behind each of the 20 drivers out on track.

Speaking post-qualifying here at Silverstone, Hamilton said to the gathered press:

"I think we're better than that, we don't need to boo.

"We have such great fans and they feel emotions up and down but I don't agree with booing.

"We should be here pushing everybody, there's no need to boo, they've already made the mistake but maybe some of them are still feeling the pain from last year."

Verstappen eventually qualified P2 for the British Grand Prix tomorrow, whilst Hamilton will line up in fifth.

The two drivers dramatically clashed here last year but this season things have obviously been a lot more serene, with Lewis unable to get into the championship fight thanks to his Mercedes' early deficiencies.

It's all to play for tomorrow, though, and we should be set-up for a cracker.