Formula 1 figures are continuing to back Silverstone with Max Verstappen claiming he “can’t imagine” not having the British Grand Prix at the circuit.
Officially, there remains uncertainty over the future of the race, with this the final year of the current contract at Silverstone although reports do suggest a new deal is set to be announced sometime this week.
That isn’t stopping Lewis Hamilton from declaring he will “fight” for the race’s future and now the Red Bull driver has also voiced his support for the Northamptonshire circuit.
“I really enjoy Silverstone because of the high-speed corners, Becketts and Maggots being my favourite, and it’s great fun to drive. I also know it pretty well after racing there in F3 before F1,” he said in his race preview.
“I love to see all the British fans camping and supporting us in the grandstands. There is always a big turnout and they are definitely some of the most passionate F1 fans in the world.
“Because our factory is just down the road it is another home race for the team so I hope we can continue our progress and put on a great show for everyone on Sunday.
“A lot of great, fast corners is what we like and I can’t imagine the calendar without the British Grand Prix.”
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His team boss Christian Horner agreed, adding: “To lose the British Grand Prix from Silverstone would be disastrous,” he said via GiveMeSport.
“It would be fantastic for British motorsport and for Formula 1 to stay at Silverstone. It is the home of Grand Prix racing.
“The first-ever Grand Prix was held there, and seven of Formula One’s 10 teams are based within a 50-mile radius of Silverstone.”
The alternative idea is for a race on the streets of London, however, many drivers have agreed it would need to be spectacular to replace Silverstone.
And Horner believes it would only be a special event to supplement the current venue.
“The idea of a London race is an interesting concept as a one-off, and as long as it didn’t detract from the event at Silverstone,” he continued.
“If a race takes place in London, you need to see Nelson’s Column or the Queen when the cars pass Buckingham Palace.
“It only works if it is in proper London. Dagenham doesn’t really count,” he concluded.
