F1: British Grand Prix due to go ahead behind closed doors

April 27, 2020

Silverstone bosses have confirmed that the 2020 Formula One British Grand Prix is still expected to be run if the event is able to take place, and will be held behind closed doors.

Circuit Managing Director, Stuart Pringle communicated this via a letter to all ticket holders of the British Grand Prix and announced that while it was unfortunate that fans would not be able to attend, that the race is still expected to go ahead if permission is granted by the UK Government.

The British Grand Prix is hoping to host two World Championship races much like the Red Bull Ring in Austria and help Formula One achieve its requirement of eight races to hold an official championship this year.

In the letter Mr Pringle said:

“I am extremely disappointed that we are unable to stage this year’s British Grand Prix in front of the fans at Silverstone.

“We have left this difficult decision for as long as possible, but it is abundantly clear given the current conditions in the country and the Government requirements in place now and for the foreseeable future, that a Grand Prix under normal conditions is just not going to be possible.

“Our obligations to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in preparing and delivering the event, our volunteer marshals and Race Makers, and of course, you, the amazing fans, means that this is the best, safest and only decision we could make.”

Ticket holders have been offered a full refund, or the choice to transferring their booking to the 2021 season.

Mr Pringle also stated that they would be giving away thousands of tickets to NHS staff and key workers for their essential work in the ongoing global pandemic.

The British Grand Prix is regularly one of the most well attended on the F1 calendar and sees a crowd of 350,000 fans over the race weekend at the circuit in Northamptonshire.

Stay tuned to Motorsport Radio for more updates on Formula One.