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London Mayor drops biggest hint yet that F1 could race in the capital

As Silverstone breaks from its contract, London’s claim to host British GP strengthens

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London Mayor Sadiq Khan has dropped his biggest hint yet that the capital would take up the chance to host the British Grand Prix.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said he was “sure” that F1 could have a race in London, adding: “Watch this space.”

(PA)
(PA)

Khan made the comments before F1’s Live London event, which saw every team bring cars to Trafalgar Square and perform demo runs in front of thousands of fans.

He said: “There are some hurdles we’ll have to overcome. I’ve met the new leadership of F1, they’re a breath of fresh air, they’re very exciting, they’ve got cracking ideas, and if they want to have a conversation with me, I’m really happy to talk, listen, and work with them to make it happen.

“We’re good at organising events safely. I’m reassured we can make everyone safe in London and we’re going to make sure events are successful. I’m sure F1, working with us, can in the future have an F1 race in London. Watch this space.”

Adding fuel to the flames of a London grand prix is the fact that the owner of Silverstone, where the British GP is currently held, announced on Tuesday that it had activated its break clause to stop hosting the event after 2019, citing rising costs.

It is believed it is hoping to renegotiate a better deal. However, the timing is less than ideal, as Wednesday’s London Live event proved the city can hold a big show at short notice and draw big crowds.

Liberty Media, Formula One’s new owner, has talked about its plans to make F1 more accessible through social media and events at “destination cities” such as London, making a race in the city all the more appealing.

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