Nico Rosberg has paid tribute to Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton for winning the British Grand Prix.

Hamilton kept ahead in the race for the Formula 1 title on Sunday as he pipped Rosberg to first place at a rain-affected Silverstone.

Despite trying desperately to triumph over his colleague, Rosberg admits that the Brit was too good on the day.

"I was pushing hard to try and catch Lewis under difficult conditions, but he made the better call (with his tyres) and that is where I lost it. Fair play to him," he told reporters.

The Formula 1 season resumes later this month with the Hungarian Grand Prix.