the Formula One chief executive, Stefano Domenicali, has expressed his desire for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone to remain a permanent fixture on the F1 calendar. The event, set to draw a record-breaking crowd of half a million spectators over four days, is expected to be the largest gathering in the sport’s history.
The British GP, which has been part of the championship since F1’s inception in 1950, is projected to sell out with unprecedented attendance. Domenicali acknowledged that it plays a key role in the thriving F1 industry in Britain, and he hopes to strengthen this by fostering closer collaboration with the UK government. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other officials at Downing Street on Wednesday afternoon.
Last year, **Silverstone** extended its contract to host the race until **2034**, one of several long-term agreements secured by **F1** recently. Despite this, Domenicali suggested the **British GP’s** unique scale and popularity might warrant an even longer-term deal.
“**Silverstone** has the right qualities to remain on the calendar indefinitely,” he said. “There’s no other venue in the **UK** capable of hosting an event of this magnitude. I don’t see any alternatives, to be honest.”
He added: “Our relationship with **Silverstone** has been strong, and they understand our approach is about securing the best outcome. If they wish to follow the steps of others who have secured extended deals, I believe they can.”
The **Wednesday event**, marking **F1’s 75th anniversary**, will be attended by key figures from the sport, including drivers, team principals, apprentices, and members of the **all-female F1 Academy**. The meeting aims to strengthen ties with the government, particularly in areas such as **infrastructure** and addressing challenges posed by **Brexit**, given that **seven of the ten F1 teams** are based in the **UK**.
**F1** has become a major contributor to the **UK economy**, generating **£12 billion annually** and directly employing **6,000 people**, with an additional **41,000 jobs** in related supply chain companies.
Domenicali noted he intends to emphasize the **UK’s technological strengths** during the meeting, as well as concerns over post-**Brexit** challenges, including logistical hurdles when transporting equipment to **Europe** and visa issues for international personnel. These factors could impact the **UK’s ability to attract and retain talent** in the sport.
“If these barriers persist, it risks pushing the industry to relocate,” he said. “We are engaged in ongoing discussions to address these matters constructively.”
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