BRDC bosses say government funding could save British Grand Prix
The British Racing Drivers’ Club believes government support could help save the British Grand Prix.
Silverstone’s owner has a contract to run the race until 2026, but has suggested it may activate its break clause, which would come into effect after the 2019 GP. It has pointed to the cost of hosting the race as its main issue, which puts the GP at risk.
While several races on the F1 calendar receive government funding, traditionally that has not been the case for Silverstone.
However, BRDC president Derek Warwick believes talks with the government, F1’s new owner Liberty Media and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone provide cause for optimism.
“I have just got a feeling that some compromise will be made, either with Bernie or the new people that are now taking over,” said Warwick. “We have had meetings with Liberty and Chase Carey, he understands our dilemma.
“We’re talking to government to see if there is any help there and even Bernie is calling us and saying ‘let’s set up a meeting and we’ll talk about it’. We will have grands prix past 2019.”
BRDC chairman John Grant said: “There are strong arguments for public money to be used, but we understand F1 is seen as a rich sport. I don’t think a straight cash handout would be politically possible, but some other form of public support may be.
“The GP generates a lot of income for the community and provides a fantastic shop window for our industry.”