Silverstone chiefs scrapping British GP after 2019 is so sad – and they are naive to think they can negotiate a better deal with F1’s new owners

Jul 11, 2017

SILVERSTONE chiefs are tipped to confirm they will terminate their deal to host the British Grand Prix.

Racetrack owners the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) signed their current 17-year contract with Formula One bosses in 2009, with fees soaring five per cent every year.

BRDC chairman John Grant right) and Sporting Director Stuart Pringle discuss the decision to pull Silverstone out — BRDC chairman John Grant (right) and Sporting Director Stuart Pringle discuss the decision as Silverstone prepares to pull out in 2019

British F1 hero Lewis Hamilton won his home Grand Prix at Silverstone last year

So the £12m cost of hosting the GP eight years ago will rise to £16.9m this summer and £27.5m by 2028.

Here, SunSport’s F1 expert BEN HUNT gives his view on the future of the most famous GP in the F1 calendar…

I am disappointed to see Silverstone activate the clause in their contract to scrap the British GP after 2019.

The race is a great event and draws in a massive amount of spectators, almost 140,000 on Sunday race-day.

However, it is difficult to have any sympathy for the BRDC, who own Silverstone, after all they agreed a deal that was supposed to run until 2026 knowing the full extent of what it would cost.

It is also incredibly naïve to think that just because F1 now has a new owners in Liberty Media that they can simply rip up the contract and get better terms.

Silverstone’s owners BRDC trigger break clause in Formula One contract with Liberty Media putting British F1 GP in danger

Silverstone is one of the most iconic motorsport venues in the world

Silverstone chiefs might have made a big mistake if they think F1 bosses will now renegotiate a better deal with them

Plus, if Liberty were to cave under Silverstone's quit-threat, then surely every other race would try their luck.

Also the timing of the announcement - plus making it so public - can only damage relations with Liberty, who are planning a major show event in the capital.

Sadly, I cannot help but feel that this crude renegotiation tactic is only going to backfire on Silverstone.