F1 boss Stefano Domenicali: British Grand Prix should ‘stay forever on calendar'
F1's American owners Liberty Media last year struck a new 10-season agreement with Silverstone to safeguard one of the jewels in the country's sporting summer until 2034 in a deal understood to be worth £300million.
And speaking ahead of the 12th round of the campaign – where British driver Lando Norris is bidding to secure back-to-back wins – Domenicali said: 'I believe that Silverstone has the right characteristics to stay forever on the calendar because there is no other place where you can develop such a huge event in the UK.'
Anyone aware of a small event we have going on in July? 😉#BritishGP pic.twitter.com/6CaRj2N4gU
— Silverstone (@SilverstoneUK) July 1, 2025
During his meeting with Starmer, Domenicali is set to press home the importance of redeveloping the road infrastructure surrounding Silverstone and the significance of the motor racing industry to the UK as a whole, with an estimated annual worth of £12billion to the economy.
Six thousand people are thought to be directly employed in the UK in F1, while seven of the grid's 10 teams are based here.
Domenicali will also look to iron out visa problems for some of the sport's lower-skilled overseas workers following Britain's exit from the European Union.
The 60-year-old Italian continued: 'I will highlight to the Prime Minister, 'What are the numbers related to Formula One?' And, 'What is the technology and the centres of excellence that are in the UK?'
'There are also things that we need to solve that with Brexit there are visa and movement complications. We cannot be limited by people having the chance to stay here for the weekend because they're coming from another country.
'I will also add the fact that because Silverstone will represent the biggest sporting event in the UK, there is a need to make sure that their plans need to be followed in the right way.'
Domenicali, who has run the sport since 2019 and recently agreed a new five-year deal to remain in his post, also admitted that a contingency plan is in place for the final two rounds of the season – due to be held in Qatar on November 30 and in Abu Dhabi a week later – amid political tensions in the Middle East.
He added: 'We are monitoring the area and in daily contact with the race promoters there. So far, we have not been given the signal (that the races are at risk).
'We are really hoping not and I don't want to even think about it, mainly for the bigger picture and not for the racing itself.
'We have a plan, but let's hope that this would not be even thinkable. Things are changing so fast. We are talking about races in December, and now we are in July. We just need to always be ready.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
8 minutes ago
- Reuters
Giorgio Armani posts 24% core profit drop in tough 2024, steps up investments
MILAN, July 2 (Reuters) - Italian fashion house Giorgio Armani said on Wednesday its core profit dropped 24% last year hit by declining revenues and a slight increase in operating costs. The unlisted Milanese group said it retained a long-term approach in the face of the difficulties facing the luxury industry, which is wrestling with slower demand in China and the United States, where recession concerns are rising. "I am convinced that pursuing consistency and continuity and avoiding the pursuit of immediate gains is the best strategy to ensure long-term success," Chairman and CEO Giorgio Armani said in a statement. "Thanks to this approach, in an increasingly complex and competitive global environment, I am proud to say that we have maintained the group's independence and stability," he added. Chief Commercial Officer Giuseppe Marsocci said the group had opted for price increases below the inflation rate. Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) at the Milan-based group fell to 398 million euros ($468 million) in 2024. Net revenues were down 5% at constant exchange rates, to 2.3 billion euros. Europe is the main market for the group, accounting for 49% of total net revenues. Giorgio Armani, 90, last month missed one of his catwalk events for the first time in his career when he failed to attend his group's two shows at Milan's Men's Fashion Week, as he was recovering at home after an illness. The group had 570 million euros in net cash at the end of last year after stepping up investments. The Armani group said it had used part of its cash reserves last year to fund 332 million euros in investments, double the 2023 level and three times the average of recent years, to renovate some flagship stores and bring in house the management of its e-commerce operations.($1 = 0.8504 euros)
South Wales Argus
9 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Cameron Norrie roars into third round by downing 12th seed Frances Tiafoe
The British number three hit top form to beat Tiafoe 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-5 and reach the third round for the fourth time in five years. Norrie was broken in the fifth game of the first set to put him on the back foot. No hesitation from Norrie 💪 Cameron Norrie comes from a set down to defeat No.12 seed Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 🇬🇧#Wimbledon — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 2, 2025 But the 29-year-old seemed energised by a vocal Court One crowd in the second, which saw his rival fail to follow through on three break points at 4-4 – a shortcoming that allowed the 2022 semi-finalist to rally and get a break of his own to level the match. Norrie's forehand began to cause the American plenty of problems in the third set, but after breaking Tiafoe's serve he was swiftly broken back as the bog-serving American relied on his ability to gain points via aces. The tables were then turned once again when Norrie broke serve, again courtesy of his huge forehand, and proceeded to successfully serve for the third set. Cameron Norrie pulled off an impressive victory over Frances Tiafoe (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Tiafoe then disappeared off court for a lengthy comfort break, coming back in a fresh outfit to face a fourth set with an opponent who was clearly warming to the task. Though trailing, the American did not fold easily and break points were passed between the pair, with the momentum looking at times to be favouring Tiafoe as he threatened to regain control of the match. Norrie held his nerve, however, and blips from his adversary meant he was able to pull off a mighty victory and book a likely clash with Queen's finalist Jiri Lehecka in the third round. Cameron Norrie left it all on the court (Adam Davy/PA) Speaking in his on-court interview, Norrie said: 'I was really happy when I saw the schedule. I saw I was on Court One and that's my favourite court. It's an amazing atmosphere and we both played a really high level. 'I just stayed calm and played point by point. It was so nice to play Frances at such a big match. I served really well in that last game and (the crowd) were amazing in that last game, so thank you. 'You just feel goosebumps. It's such a special court and such a special tournament. I just walked out and smiled as much as I could. And then you have to go out to battle. I'm really happy with my level today.' British wild card Billy Harris was unable to build on his maiden grand slam win as he was beaten in straight sets by world number 37 Nuno Borges. Harris had knocked out veteran Dusan Lajovic in round one but found Portugal's Borges too strong. The 30-year-old from Nottingham had two set points in a third set tie-break but was unable to convert either in a 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7) defeat on Court Two.
South Wales Guardian
9 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Cameron Norrie roars into third round by downing 12th seed Frances Tiafoe
The British number three hit top form to beat Tiafoe 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-5 and reach the third round for the fourth time in five years. Norrie was broken in the fifth game of the first set to put him on the back foot. No hesitation from Norrie 💪 Cameron Norrie comes from a set down to defeat No.12 seed Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 🇬🇧#Wimbledon — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 2, 2025 But the 29-year-old seemed energised by a vocal Court One crowd in the second, which saw his rival fail to follow through on three break points at 4-4 – a shortcoming that allowed the 2022 semi-finalist to rally and get a break of his own to level the match. Norrie's forehand began to cause the American plenty of problems in the third set, but after breaking Tiafoe's serve he was swiftly broken back as the bog-serving American relied on his ability to gain points via aces. The tables were then turned once again when Norrie broke serve, again courtesy of his huge forehand, and proceeded to successfully serve for the third set. Tiafoe then disappeared off court for a lengthy comfort break, coming back in a fresh outfit to face a fourth set with an opponent who was clearly warming to the task. Though trailing, the American did not fold easily and break points were passed between the pair, with the momentum looking at times to be favouring Tiafoe as he threatened to regain control of the match. Norrie held his nerve, however, and blips from his adversary meant he was able to pull off a mighty victory and book a likely clash with Queen's finalist Jiri Lehecka in the third round. Speaking in his on-court interview, Norrie said: 'I was really happy when I saw the schedule. I saw I was on Court One and that's my favourite court. It's an amazing atmosphere and we both played a really high level. 'I just stayed calm and played point by point. It was so nice to play Frances at such a big match. I served really well in that last game and (the crowd) were amazing in that last game, so thank you. 'You just feel goosebumps. It's such a special court and such a special tournament. I just walked out and smiled as much as I could. And then you have to go out to battle. I'm really happy with my level today.' British wild card Billy Harris was unable to build on his maiden grand slam win as he was beaten in straight sets by world number 37 Nuno Borges. Harris had knocked out veteran Dusan Lajovic in round one but found Portugal's Borges too strong. The 30-year-old from Nottingham had two set points in a third set tie-break but was unable to convert either in a 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7) defeat on Court Two.
