Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has expressed strong confidence in the future of the British Grand Prix, stating that he anticipates the Silverstone race will remain on the sport`s calendar “forever”. His comments were made ahead of a planned meeting with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Starmer is scheduled to host Domenicali and several F1 drivers, including British rookie Ollie Bearman and former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, at a reception at Downing Street this Wednesday, leading up to this weekend`s race at Silverstone.
F1`s owners, Liberty Media, previously secured a new 10-season agreement with Silverstone last year, ensuring the future of one of Britain`s major sporting events until 2034. The deal is reportedly valued at £300 million.
Ahead of the 12th round of the current season, where British driver Lando Norris is aiming for a second consecutive win, Domenicali elaborated on his view: “I believe that Silverstone possesses the necessary characteristics to stay on the calendar indefinitely because there is no other venue in the UK where such a massive event can be developed.”
During his meeting with Prime Minister Starmer, Domenicali is expected to emphasize the importance of upgrading the road infrastructure around Silverstone and highlight the significant contribution of the motor racing industry to the UK economy, which is estimated to be worth £12 billion annually.
Around six thousand individuals are thought to be directly employed in the UK`s F1 sector, with seven out of the ten competing teams based in the country.
Domenicali also plans to raise issues regarding visa processes for some lower-skilled overseas workers following Britain`s departure from the European Union. He stated, “I will stress to the Prime Minister, `What are the figures related to Formula One?` And, `What is the technology and the centres of excellence located in the UK?`”
He continued, “There are also matters that we need to resolve, as Brexit has created complications with visas and movement. We cannot have people limited in their ability to be here for the weekend simply because they are coming from another country.”
“I will also add that since Silverstone represents the largest sporting event in the UK, there is a requirement to ensure that its development plans are supported properly,” Domenicali added.
Domenicali, who recently signed a new five-year contract to continue leading the sport, also mentioned that a contingency plan is in place for the final two races of the season – scheduled for Qatar on November 30 and Abu Dhabi a week later – due to ongoing political tensions in the Middle East.
“We are monitoring the region and are in daily communication with the race promoters there,” he said. “So far, we have received no indication that the races are at risk.”
He added, “We sincerely hope not, and I don`t even want to consider it, primarily for the broader situation and not just the racing itself.”
“We do have a plan, but let`s hope it will never even need to be considered. Things are changing so rapidly. We are discussing races in December, and currently, we are in July. We simply need to always be prepared.”
British Grand Prix Weekend Schedule
Please note: Session times are subject to change.
Thursday July 3
- 2:00 PM: Drivers` Press Conference
- 6:00 PM: The F1 Show Special
Friday July 4
- 8:45 AM: F3 Practice
- 9:55 AM: F2 Practice
- 12:00 PM: British GP Practice One (session starts at 12:30 PM)
- 1:55 PM: F3 Qualifying
- 2:50 PM: F2 Qualifying
- 3:35 PM: British GP Practice Two (session starts at 4:00 PM)
- 5:15 PM: The F1 Show
Saturday July 5
- 9:10 AM: F3 Sprint
- 11:15 AM: British GP Practice Three (session starts at 11:30 AM)
- 1:10 PM: F2 Sprint
- 2:15 PM: British GP Qualifying build-up
- 3:00 PM: BRITISH GP QUALIFYING
- 4:55 PM: F4 Race 1
- 5:40 PM: Ted`s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday July 6
- 8:15 AM: F4 Race 2
- 9:25 AM: F3 Feature Race
- 11:00 AM: F2 Feature Race
- 1:30 PM: Grand Prix Sunday: British GP build-up
- 3:00 PM: THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX
- 5:00 PM: Chequered Flag: British GP reaction
- 6:00 PM: Ted`s Notebook
