Hamilton: “The London GP will be the best race ever”

Reality or hoax? Reading the names of those who proposed this project, Banco Santander, Bernie Ecclestone, McLaren and its two drivers, one would think of a pharaonic project, one of the best in the history of F1. But there is a possibility that the London GP is just a publicity stunt.

Officially presented complete with a Computer Graphic film, the London F1 race, previewed yesterday, would be an incredible toy to be held at night in the symbolic streets of the British capital. The city track would run across 5,1km and start at the Mall before going to St. James, then up to Piccadilly Circus before turning towards the Wellington Monument, and returning to the Mall via the Birdcage Walk and the Embankment . Symbolic places of London, known by all tourists: but in the year of the London Olympics, in the month of horse racing at Royal Ascot, tennis at Wimbledon and the F1 race at Silverstone next week, the idea of ​​bringing Ferrari, Red Bull and co. on the streets of the English metropolis appears like an advert for a science fiction film.
However, Bernie Ecclestone seems very convinced of his project: “The idea of ​​an F1 road race in London is something I've had for many years”, said the F1 boss. "That would be great. A couple of years ago, we came very close to an agreement with the city of Westminster and the mayor's office, but ran into the “little” problem of costs. But just a few years ago over half a million people took to the streets to watch the F1 cars parading through the streets of the capital. The public appetite for a London Grand Prix is ​​enormous, as I'm sure it is for the teams and sponsors."

But Ecclestone is not alone in this crazy idea: in addition to the Spanish bank, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button were also directly involved in the design of the circuit. “After being immersed in this project, it feels like it's real”, Hamilton explained. “Jenson and I worked in the simulator to provide some feedback to help recreate the circuit design, so this is more than a whim. And I have to say, this is an absolutely epic track and should deliver the most amazing and engaging Formula One race ever."
However, Button added that this is only a hypothesis: “Both Lewis and I are extremely aware of how Formula One is an integral part of the UK, Silvestone is our country's contribution to motor sport. It's great to add to this rich tapestry the idea of ​​a race on the streets of London, and I agree with Lewis, the idea of ​​driving there is fascinating, as is racing at Silverstone.". The proposal raised a fuss of objections from British politicians and newspapers. It must be said that if it were realized, the London race would not take away the place from the Silverstone GP, which has a contract that guarantees it a place in the F1 calendar until 2027.

Lorena Bianchi