After weeks of rumours over the future of the British Grand Prix, Formula 1’s new CEO says the race will be staying on the calendar.
A recent leaked letter from the BRDC chairman saying Silverstone was looking into activating a break clause in its contract cast the future of the British GP into doubt.
Other tracks weren’t interested in taking over the reigns and it sparked quite a bit of concern.
If that happens, it would see the British GP exit the F1 calendar after the 2019 event. But, it seems F1’s new CEO has other ideas.
Races, especially European rounds, have to pay huge fees to host F1 events and that often leads to financial struggles. Silverstone is one of those circuits.
But, Bernie Ecclestone’s replacement as CEO, Chase Carey, has reassured us all that the British GP – home to the first ever F1 race – will remain.
Here’s what he told BBC Sport:
“We will have a British Grand Prix. The foundation of the sport is western Europe. We want to grow it. There’s a negotiating dynamic that exists. But we want a healthy relationship with our promoters. We are going to look at ways of making events bigger and better.”
F1’s gone through a major shake-up after Monday’s news of a new CEO in Carey, Ecclestone being replaced and Liberty Media’s takeover being completed.
Ross Brawn has returned to F1 as managing director, motor sports, overseeing the sporting and technical side with Liberty. He’s quoted by the BBC saying that Silverstone is “very important” to the tradition of the sport.
He added:
“A lot of the new circuits are very exciting and they bring their own element to F1. They are in it because they want to be part of that show that includes Monaco, Silverstone, Monza, Hockenheimring and the Nurburgring. You have still got to maintain those traditions to have the values in F1.”
Carey and Brawn’s comments, alongside the new F1 ownership coming into force, will probably take some of the pressure off F1 circuits and race organisers, particularly in Europe.
The huge costs and fees of hosting races have put a lot of them in doubt and seen others drop of the calendar, but the signs from the new F1 bosses are certainly encouraging. Let’s see if they deliver!