Silverstone, fear of invasion risk: drivers demand security | 2023 F1 British GP. Drivers demand security.

Dangerous precedents
Formula 1 is returning to its birthplace, the Silverstone Circuit, this weekend. It was here in 1950 that the first historic Grand Prix took place, and today the protagonists of the sport are back for the tenth round of a Formula 1 season dominated by Red Bull. But what concerns the drivers at this moment, more than the outcome of the race, is the safety of the circuit. The history of the famous Northamptonshire track is indeed rich in controversial incidents: in 2003, a former Irish priest invaded the track during a race, miraculously avoiding all the drivers before being tackled. And even last year, some protesters for environmental causes poured onto the track at the start of the British Grand Prix.

Real concerns
Paradoxically, the chaotic incident that occurred at the first corner – unfortunately made famous by the extremely dangerous flight beyond the barriers of Zhou’s Alfa Romeo – turned out to be almost providential. The invaders had managed to evade surveillance at another point on the circuit, and the immediate red flag allowed security forces to remove them from the track without endangering themselves or the approaching drivers. However, this year there is a fear that similar scenes may occur during “free” race situations. It is a real danger that even Lewis Hamilton, who has always been close to environmental causes, has voiced concern about.

Hamilton’s appeal
The British champion has stated that he will support a “peaceful” protest, but he expressed concern for the safety of the drivers and the protesters if anyone were to enter the Silverstone circuit again. “From my point of view, and I think I speak for my team as well, we are very focused on sustainability. We believe in what people are fighting for and we are trying to push for these changes in the sport,” the #44 of Mercedes explained in a press conference on Thursday. “But safety is paramount. We don’t want to be put in danger, and we don’t want to put anyone else in danger.” – he pointed out.

Lando Norris calls for severity
Even more direct was his young compatriot from McLaren, Lando Norris, who called for “quite severe” consequences if lives were to be put at risk. “If it happens in the paddock or in places like that, I imagine there might be different scenarios, but it can’t happen on a race track because it endangers people’s lives,” declared the British driver ahead of the Silverstone event. Six activists who stormed the racetrack last year were spared custodial sentences in March. Local police have stated that they will use facial recognition technology.