<< Return to the news list

Britain could lose Grand Prix, warns Warwick

Published on 09 Jan 2018 10:49
5
By: Rob Veenstra

Former F1 driver Derek Warwick says it is possible the sport will lose its historic British grand prix. The Briton, who has battled cancer, recently stepped down as president of the British Racing Drivers' Club, which owns Silverstone.

But Warwick, 63, only stepped down after Silverstone last year triggered the break clause in its F1 contract, which could see Britain host its last race in 2019. Talks are now taking place with Liberty about a new deal. "The grand prix is too expensive, we're losing money and that's why we triggered the break clause," he told the Jersey Evening Post.

"Britain is the home of motor sport. Does that mean there will always be a British grand prix? Absolutely not. Of course we want a British grand prix and for it to stay at Silverstone, but we want it to be affordable so that we can make just enough money to reinvest in the circuit. We can't do that under the present deal," he insisted. (GMM)

F1 News

Replies (5)

calle.itw

Posts: 8,527
Well yes, thats become quite apparent. A pity the British gov wont help out on this, but then again, the Scandinavian countries sit pretty much in the same boat. We could probably muster up something decent, especially if we cooperated, but our govs doesnt really realize what good advertisement it is to host an F1 race.
- + 0
- Jan 9 2018 - 11:33
Barron

Posts: 625
Never going to happen. Instead we are throwing huge amounts of money at a vanity railway project which no-one needs, but I agree with the philosophy that the British taxpayer should never fund events of this kind..(British Grand Prix). As we are now a “ third world nation” could we get charity grants from India, Africa or China?
- + 0
- Jan 9 2018 - 12:25
ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475
Astonishing how an extremely popular sell-out event that has been happening for decades, still loses money every year. Who's fault is that? Somehow other less popular, not as well-attended circuits manage just fine, but not in Britain. SMH
- + 0
- Jan 9 2018 - 18:28
Major Tom

Posts: 152
Not only does it sell out but the ticket prices make your eyes water!
- + 0
- Jan 10 2018 - 00:38
SPERX

Posts: 21
So, the rebuilding of the main road connecting Silverstone to the M1 in the east and the M40 from the west was not Government help? It was BRDC that triggered the exit clause, perhaps expecting Government to leap in with taxpayer cash.

I suggest that Silverstone look to its offering to racegoers. It always has been too expensive and bad value for money. Appalling spectator facilities and frankly risible entertainment around the main F1 race event,

If I go onto mainland Europe for a race I get treated a lot better, can eat and drink affordably, use toilets that do not entail standing in two inches of other people's urine.

Silverstone has always ignored ticket buying race goers at the expense of the corporate and celebrity hangers on. Only a fool with more money than sense pays to attend the British GP at Silverstone.
- + 0
- Jan 10 2018 - 08:40