F1 descends on London’s Trafalgar Square as Chase Carey issues rebuke to Silverstone bosses

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Kevin Eason11 July 2017

Chase Carey, the new boss of Formula One, delivered stinging criticism of the owners of Silverstone as they prepare to ditch their deal to stage the nation’s premier motor race.

The British Racing Drivers’ Club, who own the historic track, are expected to announce today that they are triggering a break clause in their contract to host the grand prix until 2026, claiming that hosting fees are driving the organisation to financial oblivion.

That means the race at Silverstone would not go on beyond 2019.

Carey is understood to have offered to take over the running of the race to lift the pressure of finding the £17million hosting fee, only to be rebuffed by Silverstone.

A frustrated Carey said: “The week leading up to the British Grand Prix should be a week of great celebration for F1 and Silverstone. We deeply regret that Silverstone has chosen instead to use this week to posture and position themselves and invoke a break clause that will take effect in three years’ time.

“We offered to extend the current deadlines to focus on everything that is great about Silverstone and Formula One. Regretfully, the Silverstone management has chosen to look for a short-term advantage to benefit their position.

Painting the town F1 | the team’s F1 show car outside the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square this morning Photo: Jeremy Selwyn/Evening Standard
Jeremy Selwyn/Evening Standard

“Our focus is still to preserve the British Grand Prix. We will carry on negotiating with the promoter in good faith and in private to reach a fair and equitable solution.”

Silverstone’s decision has raised hopes that London may one day stage a grand prix. However, Carey says that is in the distant future and he wants to hang on to Silverstone as a cornerstone venue in Formula One.

On Wednesday, tens of thousands are expected to gather in Trafalgar Square for a unique demonstration ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix. Many of the teams and drivers will take part in an event that will see Formula One cars roaring along Whitehall.

Next week, Liberty Media, the new owners of Formula One, will move into new headquarters in the St James’s Market development, near Piccadilly, as the group makes London the sport’s long-term home.

  • You can see all the action from Wednesday's demonstration on London Live TV from 6-9pm tomorrow: Freeview channel 8, Sky 117 and Virgin Media 159

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