F1 Expresses Interest In London Grand Prix: Plans Revealed

The F1 could be coming to London as early as 2026.

Buckle up, motorsport fans! Exciting news is on the horizon as the latest plans for a London Grand Prix have been unveiled, with organisers hoping to host the first race as early as 2026. 

After previous attempts failed to get off the starting grid, consultants working on the £250m redevelopment of East London's Royal Docks have put together a proposal that looks like it could cross the finish line.

The proposed 3.6-mile circuit, similar to the famous one in Montreal, boasts 22 corners and long straights with chicanes, allowing cars to reach a speed of 127mph along historic docks and City Airport. And the best part? It's "F1 enabled" from the design stage, which means it has been created with Formula 1 in mind from the get-go. That's music to the ears of racing fans, as previous bids to bring grand prix racing to central London failed due to the impracticality of closing busy streets and dealing with its centuries-old layout.

So, what sets this proposal apart? Design consultants Dar and the LDN Collective have included a "linear park" with decking that can be removed to reveal the race track below, while floating grandstands will be erected on the waterfront to give fans a fantastic view. Four stations on the DLR network will serve the circuit directly, and planners anticipate a capacity of 95,000 spectators. LDN Collective CEO Max Farrell explained:

“We know that Formula 1 are interested in hosting a grand prix here and we have designed a track that meets all of their requirements and regulations.

“By extending the promenade we are creating a flexible eventscape and by creating floating commercial uses we are making the proposal financially viable and deliverable, without the taxpayer footing the bill.”

But that's not all - the plans also include floating modules that will provide hotels and restaurants, as well as parks and a library. These can be reconfigured or swapped with grandstands, food stalls, and entertainment venues over the race weekend. It's a fresh and innovative approach that could turn the London Grand Prix into a truly unique event.

If we get a London Grand Prix, can we still put Boris Johnson on a zip line?#F1 #F12023 #LondonGrandPrix pic.twitter.com/HcWJTJ7Uoy

— F1FAll (@F1fAllOfficial) March 14, 2023

It's not surprising that Formula 1 is interested in hosting a London race. Commercial rights owners Liberty Media are looking to expand the sport's audience by attracting a broader base with more races like this year's Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend. The Docklands area of East London already hosts Formula E, and with a London Grand Prix, it could become a hub for motorsport fans.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is also a supporter of the proposals, and discussions with investors are ongoing. If everything goes to plan, a planning application could be submitted within the next year.

The redevelopment of the Royal Docks is unfunded at present, but the exciting plans have already created a buzz in the world of Formula 1. The prospect of hosting a London Grand Prix alongside the British Grand Prix at Silverstone would be a dream come true for racing fans. Urban Design at Dar Director, Dan Horner, has said:

“It’s apparent for anyone visiting the Royal Docks that the water is underutilised, but has huge un-tapped potential.

“We have approached this large, contained and clean body of water as a platform which can be reconfigured using floating modules, creating a new family orientated leisure and events destination.“

With innovative design elements and a flexible, floating event space, it could be a race like no other. We'll be watching closely as the proposals gain momentum and hoping to see Formula 1 cars hurtling around the Royal Docks in the near future!