Hamilton’s concern for crowds at the British Grand Prix
LEWIS Hamilton is worried for the safety of the British public following what he called a “premature” decision to allow 140,000 fans to watch next month’s grand prix at Silverstone.
Circuit organisers have been given the green light to sell out for the entire July 16-18 weekend, paving the way for the biggest UK crowd since the pandeminc’s start.
But seven-time world champion Hamilton, who has won the British Grand Prix more times than any driver in Formula One’s history, questioned the logic behind yesterday’s announcement with cases on the rise.
Hamilton, who is currently in talks about a new contract with Mercedes, said “I hear the cases going up massively in the UK since we have loosened up a bit, and on that side I worry about people. I’ve read the vaccination programme is working and fewer people are in hospital, but it feels a bit premature to me. I like to err on the side of caution and slowly build up - rather than go full pelt and using our British fans as a test pen.”
Ticket holders for the British GP will have to provide proof of a negative lateral flow test - taken within 48 hours of arriving at the Northamptonshire circuit - or be fully vaccinated, with the second dose 14 days previously.
Managing director Stuart Pringle is understood to have stressed to Government officials that the circuit - which staged the first ever Formula One world championship event in 1950 - would go bust if fans were not permitted. Silverstone made the case that their 70,000 grandstand seats at the former Royal Air Force base are scattered over 3.5 miles, while the event is not reliant on public transport with the large majority of spectators arriving in cars. The race takes place a day before the mooted end of Covid restrictions in England on July 19.
It was confirmed earlier this week that more than 60,000 fans will be allowed to attend the semi-finals and final of Euro 2020 at Wembley.
Wimbledon’s Centre Court is also set to be at its 15,000 capacity for the women’s and men’s singles finals on July 10 and July 11, while Royal St George’s will admit up to 32,000 fans a day for The Open.