British F1 Grand Prix stays at Silverstone for another 5 years

10 July 2019

Formula 1 has announced that the Formula 1 British Grand Prix will continue to be held at Silverstone at least until the end of 2024.

The agreement between Formula 1, the British Racing Drivers’ Club and Silverstone Circuit was signed yesterday in London, in the run up to the Formula 1 Rolex British Grand Prix taking place this weekend.

The British Grand Prix has been part of the Formula 1 World Championship right from the start, with the 1950 edition of the race, held at Silverstone on 13th May of that year, being the very first of the 1006 Grands Prix that have taken place to date.

Silverstone has hosted the British Grand Prix a further 51 times, with two other circuits, Aintree and Brands Hatch providing the venue on five and seventeen occasions respectively. The circuit also draws a massive crowd with over 680,000 attending over the past two years alone.

Only the Italian Grand Prix can boast of featuring for the same length of time on the calendar of the top level of motor sport.

Chase Carey, Chairman and Chief Executive, Formula 1, said: “ We have always said that, if it is to have a long-term future, our sport must preserve its historic venues and Silverstone and Great Britain represent the cradle of this sport, its starting point back in 1950.”

Seven of the ten teams competing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship are based in the UK, with motorsport being an important economic and technological contributor to the country. This year, Great Britain also has the largest number of drivers on the grid, with five times world champion Lewis Hamilton joined by the talented Lando Norris and George Russell.

Stuart Pringle, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, said: “The British Grand Prix at Silverstone is rightly recognised as one of the highlights of both the F1 championship and the annual British sporting calendar. This is thanks to our track being one of the greatest drivers’ circuits in the world but also the enormous passion for motor racing that exists in the loyal and knowledgeable fans that we have in this country.”

He added: “The prospect of not hosting a Grand Prix at Silverstone would have been devastating for everyone in the sport and I am delighted that we are here today, on the eve of what is sure to be a fantastic event, making this positive announcement about the future.”