The prospect of a Formula 1 race in London has risen after getting some backing from current mayor Sadiq Khan.
Owners Liberty Media are continuing to push for a street race in the UK capital as talks with Silverstone over the future of the British Grand Prix remain inconclusive.
It follows the first demonstration event to take place since 2004 in London last year when cars paraded around a route incorporating Trafalgar Square.
“London is always open to hosting the world’s biggest and best sports events – from the final of UEFA Euro 2020 to the NFL, and the Cricket World Cup to Major League Baseball,” a spokesman for Khan told Autosport.
“The mayor believes that it should be possible to organise a race in London in the future and has asked his team to explore options with F1.”
Also Read:
- Ecclestone reveals bid to buy Silverstone & failed London GP attempt
- Silverstone ‘the only place’ that can host the British GP
- Silverstone reject latest report on efforts to keep British GP
The major hurdle to a race is the severe disruption it would cause to the capital, with Formula E’s races in London in 2015 and 2016 taking place within the confines of Battersea Park.
Previous plans for a street circuit had been focused around famous landmarks like Pall Mall, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, while the 2012 Olympic Park was also suggested.
Commenting on a possible venue though, F1 motorsport chief Ross Brawn concedes the outskirts of the city are more likely.
“I think because F1 is a week-long activity minimum, the disruption it would cause in the centre of London would be unacceptable,” he said.
“I don’t think Londoners really need to worry about us taking over the centre of London for a week but there are things on the periphery that are being explored – not slap-bang in the centre of London but Greater London.”
Brawn also emphasised that if a Grand Prix was to be agreed in the city, it wouldn’t have to come at the expense of Silverstone.
“We’d like to see London complement Silverstone, not replace it,” he stated. “We could see ways we could make it work both sides.
“London is an iconic city with a massive history in the sport and there’s huge enthusiasm here.”
