Hamilton praises Bottas for his 'great sportsmanship'

Lewis Hamilton thanked Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas on Sunday for his sportsmanship in helping him to a record-extending eighth British Grand Prix win.

The Finn was second and ahead of Hamilton when, 12 laps from the end, the team told him to let the seven times Formula One world champion through so he could chase down Ferrari's race leader Charles Leclerc.

Bottas duly complied and Hamilton passed Leclerc with two laps to spare.

"He was so gracious today to work so well as a team mate to allow me to pass, so I could chase for the win for the team," said Hamilton.

"That’s great sportsmanship, I really do appreciate it."

Bottas is out of contract at the end of the season and his future at Mercedes remains uncertain, with young Briton George Russell tipped to move from struggling Williams as the Finn's replacement.

Hamilton, who recently signed a new two-year deal, has been supportive of Bottas, however.

"I think he is a fantastic team mate and I don’t necessarily see that it needs to change," the Briton told reporters last month.

Bottas is fourth in the championship with 108 points, with Hamilton second on 177.