Even if Hamilton was struggling, Mercedes seemed to be in a class of their own. The world champions have won seven of the eight races so far this year and are overwhelming favourites to dominate here.
• The 10 best British Grands Prix
Elsewhere, Red Bull seem to have made a step forward, with the young Russian Daniil Kvyat in fifth place. They are in a battle with Williams for the third-fastest team.
McLaren, as expected, were way off the pace. In the morning Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso were 17th and 18th respectively. The second session saw them finish 15th and 17th.