Hamilton "energised" by deleted time pressure

The Mercedes driver got his fastest time in Q3 deleted for exceeding track limits at Copse, and had just one lap left to try to beat teammate Nico Rosberg to pole position in the final moments.

But Hamilton dully delivered and secured pole by 0.319s.

"Honestly, it energises me, I don't know why," said Hamilton of the pressure. "Those moments are when I am most excited.

"Being under pressure is something not to shy away from, something to attack full on and that is generally what I try to do.

"Every single lap I go out and every single corner I see the crowd they wave. There is nowhere in the world I can ever experience that and I wish people could feel what I feel.

"When I look and see the flags waving, it is very reminiscent of when I was going up – I appreciate it more than anything, and that is why I did the lap."

Hamilton, who will start tomorrow's race alongside Rosberg, said nothing will change in their approach to the start despite the new rules of engagement introduced by Mercedes after their Austrian GP clash.

"Tomorrow we are going to race, race like we always do," he said. "Of course what we have been told this weekend we are aware of, so will be at the back of our minds but doesn't mean we will not continue to drive hard as we have.

"Tomorrow the start is the same."