F1 Confirms Future Of British Grand Prix With New Contract
The future of the British Grand Prix has been solidified with the announcement of a ten-year extension for the event to remain at the Silverstone circuit, a decision that extends the venue's association with Formula 1 into its ninth decade since hosting the inaugural Grand Prix back in 1950.
Key Takeaways:
- Silverstone to host the British Grand Prix until 2034 under a new ten-year agreement with Formula 1 and the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC).
- Record-breaking crowds and a vibrant mix of racing and entertainment highlight the event's appeal.
- Silverstone's storied history and the UK's significant contribution to Formula 1 are underscored by this extension.
The renewal of Silverstone's contract as the home of the British Grand Prix until 2034 cements the iconic track's place in the heart of Formula 1's calendar. This agreement not only celebrates the circuit's historic significance but also its role in delivering one of the most engaging and well-attended events in the sport, with the 2023 Grand Prix drawing a record attendance of 480,000 fans.
The circuit, with its challenging layout, continues to be a favourite among drivers and has been the scene of numerous memorable races over the years, contributing to its legendary status in the sport.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, expressed his enthusiasm for the extension, stating:
"I am delighted to announce that the British Grand Prix will remain on the calendar for ten more years with this agreement.
"Silverstone is an iconic venue at the heart of F1 history and as it approaches its ninth decade hosting Grands Prix, the event continues to attract fans from around the world for fantastic racing on track and the amazing fan experience off it.
"I would like to thank Peter Digby and the BRDC, as well as Stuart Pringle and the whole Silverstone team for their hard work and dedication to take the British Grand Prix to new heights and I look forward to working closely with them as they look to further improve the facilities and fan experience over the next ten years."
Peter Digby, Chairman of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, also shared his delight:
"I am delighted we have secured a ten-year extension to host the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
"This contractual security will provide a solid base for the further development of the venue as we continue to improve and transform the circuit into a year-round international motorsport and leisure destination.
"The 2024 Formula 1 season will start with 9 BRDC Full and Honorary members on the grid and the importance of our continued support of young drivers is particularly evidenced by the success of Lewis, Lando, George, and Alex."
Echoing these sentiments, Stuart Pringle, Chief Executive Officer of Silverstone, highlighted the unique atmosphere of the British Grand Prix:
"This long-term commitment reflects the importance of the British Grand Prix to Formula 1 and their acknowledgement of our ability to deliver a world-class experience for the British fans who are among the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable in the world.
"The cheers of support for the home teams, and particularly for the British drivers on the grid, makes the Silverstone atmosphere unique and I am looking forward to harnessing this passion for our sport and taking the event to the next level in the coming decade."