Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali has expressed his desire for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone to remain on the calendar indefinitely. As one of the most historic and iconic venues in the sport, Silverstone is expected to host the biggest event in F1 history this weekend, with attendance figures projected to reach half a million people over four days.
The British Grand Prix has been a fixture of the F1 calendar since the championship’s inception in 1950. With a recent contract extension securing the race until 2034, there is now optimism that the event’s legacy could be safeguarded even further into the future. Domenicali emphasized that Silverstone’s size, popularity, and infrastructure make it a uniquely valuable venue that cannot easily be replicated elsewhere in the UK.
He pointed to the success of the race in drawing huge crowds and its central role in the thriving UK F1 industry, suggesting it deserved to negotiate a longer-term or even permanent place on the calendar. He acknowledged that while past negotiations between F1 and Silverstone promoters had been challenging, recent cooperation has set a new standard, paving the way for even stronger ties.
In parallel with the race, senior figures from Formula One will meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other government officials in London to mark the sport’s 75th anniversary. The gathering will include team leaders, drivers, apprentices, and members of the F1 Academy, reflecting the sport’s increasing industrial and economic importance to the UK.
F1 now contributes £12 billion annually to the UK economy. It directly employs 6,000 people, with a further 41,000 working in its supply chain across 4,500 businesses. Seven of the 10 F1 teams are based in Britain, giving the country a dominant role in the sport’s global ecosystem.
However, there are ongoing challenges following Brexit. Domenicali intends to raise concerns during his meeting with the government, particularly around the movement of equipment and personnel. The current carnet system for transporting gear into Europe has introduced extra costs, delays, and logistical hurdles. Visa requirements for staff entering the UK also remain an obstacle.
Domenicali hopes the government will recognize the value of F1 and consider adjustments or exemptions that would allow smoother operations. The aim is to maintain the UK’s competitive advantage in motorsport technology and engineering, avoiding the risk of companies relocating to more accessible environments elsewhere in Europe.
The meeting represents an effort to deepen collaboration between F1 and the UK government, ensuring that the sport’s future remains closely tied to its historic home.
