Motorsport
Respect to the classics! The British circuit Silverstone will remain on the F1 calendar for the next 10 years. It’s an iconic place, says Domenicali
The queen of motorsport has signed a contract extension with the famous Silverstone circuit until 2034. The British GP will remain where it all started in 1950 for another ten years!
Despite its apparent fondness for the often bland urban tracks in the world’s metropolises, Formula One retains a love and respect for the classics that have shaped not only its history. But that of motor racing as a whole. The Queen of Motorsport has signed a contract extension with the famous Silverstone circuit until 2034. The British GP will remain where it all began in 1950 for another ten years!
Formula 1’s long-term strategy as a business has been and is to expand into new and novel destinations.
The news of Madrid and a circuit set in its streets entering the calendar from the 2026 season has aroused considerable fan opposition. A significant part of it does not welcome the arrival of urban tracks and circuits in problematic countries at the expense of traditional race tracks.
While the future of the circuit near Barcelona looks very uncertain for now. The same cannot be said for any other classic. British circuit Silverstone has agreed a contract extension with the series promoter until the 2034 season. The existing contract guaranteed Silverstone’s position on the calendar only until this year.
Last year’s British Grand Prix attracted an impressive 480,000 spectators across three days. Sunday’s main event, dominated by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, was watched by 160,000 fans. Only the venue at the former Australian Grand Prix venue, Adelaide, saw more people, a total of 520,000. However, here the attendance from four days counts.
Silverstone as an iconic place at the heart of F1 history
Silverstone CEO Stuart Pringle commented on the circuit’s official website on his excitement at the successful agreement between himself and Formula One officials.
“This long-term commitment reflects the importance of the UK GP to Formula 1. The atmosphere at Silverstone is unique. And I look forward to harnessing this passion for our sport. And taking the race to the next level in the coming decade.”
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali continued, ” Silverstone is an iconic venue at the heart of F1 history. As we approach our ninth decade of hosting the Grand Prix, it continues to attract fans from around the world with fantastic racing on track and amazing experiences off track.”
Silverstone was built on a former military airfield after the end of World War II. The first motorsport event was held there in 1947. In May 1950, it hosted the first ever Formula One World Championship Grand Prix. The 59th Grand Prix on this almost 5.9 km long circuit will take place on the first weekend in July.
Source: F1, Silverstone
