As Formula E returns to London, Mayor Sadiq Khan hopes to bring Formula 1 to the city “as soon as possible”.
The all-electric motorsport series will host its first ePrix in the UK capital in five years this weekend on a new circuit in and around the ExCel centre alongside the River Thames.
However, talk about a potential London Grand Prix has also picked up in recent years, and Khan is one of the leading voices in favour.
“We’re speaking to Formula 1 and they’re really receptive,” the Mayor told the London Evening Standard last month.
“The reality is that the reigning champion of the world is a Brit. Lewis Hamilton is a credit to our nation and the sport, and it would be great to have a Grand Prix in the capital city, to have Silverstone and London on the calendar.”
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Asked how soon that could become a reality, Khan replied: “I think next year would be too soon but I’ve been really impressed with those at Formula 1 and I’m keen to bring it as soon as possible.”
The idea also has the backing of F1’s two leading team bosses Mercedes’ Toto Wolff and Red Bull’s Christian Horner.
“I would like that we have a Grand Prix at Silverstone as this is what the fans love and Silverstone is part of the traditional circuit of races in Formula 1,” Wolff told Standard Sport.
“But racing in London would top everything and I hope that the Mayor of London and [the Prime Minister] Mr Johnson read this and we get that going.”
Horner agreed, noting the success of F1’s most recent demonstration event in the city back in 2017.
“We saw from the event in Trafalgar Square a few years ago the appetite for F1 and it showed it is possible to close central London down to hold an event,” he said, referring to the likely concerns over disruption.
“It would be a fantastic advert for London and great to see and hear GP cars around the streets. As with all these things, it’s never straightforward but the most important thing is the desire for it.
“If the Mayor wants it to happen, if the Government wants it to happen and Formula One wants it to happen, hopefully there’s enough intent that it’s not unfeasible.”
