Lewis Hamilton capitalised on Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg's misfortune to claw his way back into the race for the Formula 1 world drivers' championship after a thrilling win at the British Grand Prix.

Rosburg led with 22 laps remaining before withdrawing with gearbox failure, allowing Hamilton, who had begun sixth on the grid, to take victory for just the second time at Silverstone.

Hamilton now trails Rosburg by just four points in the championship after his fourth win of the season.

"I had my eyes set to do that for the fans today," Hamilton told BBC Sport. "We did it together this weekend. They got me through.

"I should have been on pole and there was no excuse yesterday. I left myself speechless. But I still believed.

"The initial part of my launch was good and it was difficult to decide which way to go, I went down the outside of Vettel and we touched wheels.

"It was about positive energy this weekend. I don't always say the right things but I love racing and my fans."

Williams' Valtteri Bottas finished second, ahead of Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo while McLaren's Jenson Button, reigning champion Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso followed.

The race had to halted for an hour after just two laps, following Kimi Raikkonen's crash, which saw him collide with Felipe Massa.