In another bit of good news, the British Grand Prix will remain at Silverstone until 2034. The deal was announced yesterday and just like the Suzuka extension, it was greeted with enthusiasm by fans worldwide. It makes a lot of sense too since seven out of the ten current teams are based in the UK, six of whom are located within an hour of the circuit. Moreover, the track has a storied legacy that stretches back to the first Formula One race back in 1950.
Silverstone and the British Grand Prix just go together so well, it’s difficult to conceive of Formula one without that combination. Plus, with all the British drivers and teams that have raced over the years; you have a built-in and enthusiastic audience. The way they conduct the race, the atmosphere, and the organization of the event are something to behold. The Brits know how to run a motorsports event, no doubt about it.
Credit: Doug Adamavich
©2015 dpa Productions
In 2015, I had an opportunity to experience a British Grand Prix in person for the first time. I’ll write more about that event in due course but I can attest it was a memorable experience. Everything about the event was memorable and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Just like Suzuka though, what makes this grand prix special are the fans.
British fans know Formula One and Silverstone is in the heart of Motorsports Valley. They are enthusiastic and support a wide range of teams and drivers. Yes, they mostly support the British drivers but there are a lot of Ferrari fans as well. The fans love the event and it shows, when I went in 2015 the grandstands were packed and thousands more filled the general admission areas. That is what makes this grand prix special, fans who love the sport and turn out to watch it.
This may also signal something else with respect to events and venues. We’ve seen new countries, tracks, and events over the past several years. However, some events have dropped-off the calendar too either for financial or other reasons. One trend that has emerged is more street circuits in Middle Eastern and US locations. Many of the vintage tracks like Silverstone were thought to be under threat. The good news is that FOM and the teams want to race at iconic venues that have a deep historical connection with the sport. Perhaps the decision-makers are listening to what the fans are saying.
Long-time fans love to see F1 cars race on tracks like Silverstone. The distinctive corners and straights, the terrain, and the variable British weather give the circuit it’s character. Combined with the fans and the history of the event, it produces an energy that many of the new events just can’t replicate. It’s organic, authentic, and visceral; which is something the sport needs to retain lest it lose it’s character. The good news is that at least some within FOM are heeding what their customers want. My hope is that this extends into other areas as well.
