Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali anticipates the British Grand Prix will forever hold a place on the sport`s schedule. His remarks came just before a planned meeting with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Domenicali, along with several drivers from the current F1 grid, including British rookie Ollie Bearman and former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, were invited to a reception hosted by Starmer at Downing Street ahead of this weekend`s race at Silverstone.
Last year, F1`s American owners, Liberty Media, finalized a new decade-long contract with Silverstone, securing the circuit as a fixture in the UK`s summer sporting highlights until 2034. This agreement is reportedly valued at £300 million.
Speaking before the twelfth event of the championship season, where British driver Lando Norris is aiming for consecutive victories, Domenicali asserted his strong belief in Silverstone`s permanent status. He stated, “I believe that Silverstone has the right characteristics to stay forever on the calendar because there is no other place where you can develop such a huge event in the UK.”
Key topics for Domenicali`s discussion with Prime Minister Starmer include emphasizing the importance of upgrading the road infrastructure surrounding Silverstone and highlighting the significant contribution of the UK`s motor racing sector to the national economy, which is estimated at £12 billion annually.
Approximately six thousand individuals are directly employed in the UK`s F1 industry, and seven of the ten Formula 1 teams have their primary bases in the country.
Another item on Domenicali`s agenda is addressing visa challenges faced by some international staff, particularly lower-skilled workers, since the United Kingdom`s departure from the European Union.
The 60-year-old Italian executive elaborated on his planned talking points: “I will highlight to the Prime Minister, `What are the numbers related to Formula One?` And, `What is the technology and the centres of excellence that are in the UK?`”
He further commented on the post-Brexit situation, stating, “There are also things that we need to solve that with Brexit there are visa and movement complications. We cannot be limited by people having the chance to stay here for the weekend because they`re coming from another country.”
Domenicali also noted the need for proper planning execution, adding, “I will also add the fact that because Silverstone will represent the biggest sporting event in the UK, there is a need to make sure that their plans need to be followed in the right way.”
Domenicali, who has led the sport since 2019 and recently signed a five-year extension, also acknowledged that contingency measures are in place for the final two races of the season – scheduled for Qatar on November 30 and Abu Dhabi a week later. These plans are being considered due to ongoing political tensions in the Middle East.
He confirmed, “We are monitoring the area and in daily contact with the race promoters there. So far, we have not been given the signal (that the races are at risk).”
Expressing his hope for the situation, he added, “We are really hoping not and I don`t want to even think about it, mainly for the bigger picture and not for the racing itself.”
Domenicali concluded on the Middle East situation by stating, “We have a plan, but let`s hope that this would not be even thinkable. Things are changing so fast. We are talking about races in December, and now we are in July. We just need to always be ready.”
Gilbert Pendleton